Leslie Joan Gordon (née Kalika), born on March 10, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY, passed away on December 24, 2024, surrounded by family at the age of 77 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, MA after a seven year journey with Dementia and a recent move to Marblehead, MA so family could spend this last chapter of her life close together.

Leslie’s early years were marked by incredible loss, shaping her into a person of remarkable strength and character. She graduated from Hewlett High School in 1965 and furthered her education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northeastern University, a Master of Gerontology Degree from St. Joseph’s College, and a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Connecticut.

Leslie began her career as an elementary school teacher, later finding her true calling in geriatric social work. She dedicated over 25 years to Jewish Family Services in West Hartford, CT, and then spent more than a decade in private practice in Rhode Island and Connecticut before the dementia led to an earlier than planned retirement. Known for her compassion and devotion, Leslie made a profound impact on the lives of older adults and their families.

Outside of her professional life, Leslie loved biking in the summer, and no matter what the weather, she was an avid walker, often traversing 8-10 miles a day around Brookline and Boston, even up until a few years ago. She emphasized well being, a step ahead of the rest with her healthy habits. She cherished cultural experiences, especially through museums, theater, and music. It was most relaxing to her to tend her garden in Shelter Harbor and go on long beach walks. Leslie was also famous among friends and family for her contagious fits of hysterical laughter, (which she passed on to Susie and Benjamin), her sparkling white smile, and her delicious chicken soup which she often made for those in need.

Leslie is survived by her loving husband, Steve Gordon, to whom she was a true life partner; devoted daughter, Susie Gordon-Schiowitz, for whom she cared and protected up until the end; supportive son-in-law Marc Schiowitz; adoring grandson, Benjamin Gordon Levine, her shining star and of whom she was so incredibly proud; younger brother, Philip Kalika and his wife Frannie Kalika; sister-in-law, Fran (Gordon) Hand and her husband Joel Hand, as well as cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and a special collection of dear friends who became her chosen family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Irving “Inky” Kalika and Marian (Neivert) Kalika, and her little sister, Susan Marjorie Kalika who leftthis world too soon.

A memorial service to honor Leslie’s life will be held at Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead, MA on Friday,December 27, 2024. As a true ray of sunshine, her legacy of kindness, humor, strength, good old common sense, and unwavering care will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to The Alzheimer’s Association or The Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable Trust.