Leslie Roell

Leslie Lee Roell, of Kalamazoo passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025, fifteen days shy of her 95th birthday. She was born on June 14,1930 in Greenville, Michigan to Arthur and Maude (Russell) Roell.

Leslie was a generous and kindhearted person. She never met a stranger and always looked on the bright side of things. Her job in life was caring for others.

Leslie grew up in Greenville, MI. She received her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy and master's in special education from Western Michigan University where she was also a Charter member of Delta Zeta National Sorority.

Leslie's professional career began in Baltimore Maryland as the director of OT at James Lawrence Kernan Hospital. In Norfolk, Virgina, she developed a therapy program for adults with multiple sclerosis. After moving from Delton, MI to Bradenton, FL with her family, Leslie taught third grade. When the family moved to Plainwell, Michigan, she taught special education at Otsego Middle School. Leslie later assumed the position of Special Education Curriculum Resource Consultant. She concluded her career as a department head for the multiple-Impaired program in the Allegan Development Center in 1988.

Leslie was an active member with numerous organizations, National Education Assoc., League of Women Voters, Assoc. of University Women, Delton Chapter of Sweet Adeline's, and SHOUT (Serving Helpful Organization Unitedly Together) in South Haven.

Volunteerism was a significant part of her life. She served on many boards including Plainwell Community School Board, Allegan County Community Mental Health, Allegan County Association of Mentally Impaired, and the Manatee Unitarian Universalist fellowship. She also volunteered for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children), Southeastern Guide Dog Organization, and homeless shelters in Bradenton FL. In South Haven she gave her time to the Al-Van Humane Society and the Van Buren Senior Center.

In her retirement years she enjoyed spending winters in Bradenton Florida and summers at her favorite place "The Buddy" in South Haven with her second husband and Greenville High School classmate, Dar Weber.

Leslie is survived and deeply missed by her three children, Eric Haas, Amy Haas, Becca (Jeff) Wilson, grandchildren Taylor (Patrick) Birkholz, Nick (Abbie) Paskin, Trisha Bradely-Haas, Myles (Courtney) Wilson, Rachel (Ben) Alred, Grant (Autumn) Wilson and 7 great-grandchildren. Leslie is preceded in death by her husband Darold Weber, sister, Mary Alice Howell, her parents, and former husband, Richard Haas.

There will be no formal services held. A family memorial will be held at a later date. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the loving, caring, and supportive staff at Woodside Memory Care. Memorial donations in memory of Leslie may be made to the Al-Van Humane Society in South Haven, MI.