Deborah S. Leff

Deborah Leff, wife of Sanford M. Leff, daughter of Minie and Solomon Schwartz passed away Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from complications due to Alzheimer’s in the comfort and care of the Kendal Crosslands Community.

Deborah will be remembered by the many lives she touched as an extraordinary, passionate, and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and teacher. She was recognized as a Teacher of Distinction in the Syosset Central School District where she served as an elementary school teacher for 31 years in all grades and as the district science coordinator. A firm believer that all students could excel, Deborah also tutored countless students to maximize their potential or allow for extra instruction for students when other professionals had given up. The first teacher to arrive and the last to leave the building most days, even the janitors knew Deborah well and respected her abilities.

Outside of her professional life, Deborah will be most remembered and missed as the matriarch of the Leff family. It was in her roll as a wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend where Deborah shone the most brightly. She was loving and loyal beyond measure to all she loved. Her husband Sanford, was the love of her life. He gave her love, stability, excitement, comfort, and laughter throughout the 62 wonderful years they had together.

Without a doubt, Deborah’s pride and joy were her two sons, Richard (Chadds Ford, PA) and Peter (Higganum, CT); her niece, Joan Levitt who she loved like a daughter; her grandchildren, Kayla, Hayley, David, Nina, Michael, Zachary, Kyle, and Hayden. Also mourning her loss are her daughters-in-law Sara and Tori; her nephew-inlaw, John Levitt; nieces, Laurel Leff and Jody Moss; nephews, Andrew Leff and Douglas Moss; and their families.

Most of her adult life was spent in Woodbury, NY where the Leffs made countless friends. In their later years, Sanford gave Deborah the world through travel to every continent save Antarctica.

The last four years of her life were spent enjoying the beauty, myriad activities, and the company of their exceptional friends at Kendal Crosslands in Kennett Square, PA. These friends, and the staff the at Crosslands made Deborah’s life these last four years a joy and kept her comfortable and occupied in the final months while Alzheimer’s was taking her away.

Deborah was born September 7, 1935 in Brooklyn, NY, graduated from the University of Connecticut, and earned her Masters of Education from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

Interment will be private. A public memorial service will be held at a future date at Kendal Crosslands. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kendal Crosslands Employee Appreciation Fund, at Kendal Crosslands, P.O. Box 100, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Schoenberg Memorial Chapel