Leah Vandersluis' Obituary
LEAH VANDERSLUIS (née Dolenec), 78, passed away November 27, 2015. She was the beloved wife of the late Bernard and loving mother of Julie Youdath (Joe).
Born July 22, 1937, she was the only child of the late Stanley and Mary Dolenec. She grew up in Euclid and graduated from Euclid High School in 1955 along with three very close childhood friends – Sheila, Florence and Nanette – whom she remained in touch with her entire life. In January 1962 she married Bernard, and their only child, Julie, was born in September 1963. The family lived in Bay Village, and in 1970 Leah went to work at Higbee’s at Westgate Mall (which later became Dillard’s), where she worked until she retired in 2002.
She was a quiet, shy person, but when among family and friends, she had a sly sense of humor and a sharp wit. Her interests included reading, doing word puzzles, watching movies and playing trivia games. She loved music; Johnny Mathis and Neil Diamond were among her favorite artists. She also enjoyed baseball and was a lifetime Cleveland Indians fan. Most of all, she loved dogs. Over the years, she had many beloved canine companions, several of which were Scotties. She adored them all and they were the light of her life.
Several years ago, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and more recently, dementia, which ultimately robbed her of her mind and her life. She passed away peacefully on November 27 with Julie and Joe at her side. She will always be loved and greatly missed. The family gratefully acknowledges the loving and compassionate care Leah received from Arden Courts of Westlake and Crossroads Hospice. The family suggests memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), Cleveland Animal Protective League (clevelandapl.org) or National Parkinson Foundation (parkinson.org).
Private services were held.
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