Leslie Frances Wilson

Leslie Frances Wilson died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, August 27th. A true humanitarian and citizen of the world, Leslie was beloved and respected by countless people from all walks of life. She was a mentor to many, and a friend to many, many more – a list too innumerable to acknowledge here. You know who you are. Born on September 21, 1954, in Atlanta, Georgia, Leslie was the daughter of the late Robert and Evelyn Petach Wilson. Leslie is a proud alumna of the U.S. Peace Corps, having served as a volunteer in Chumphon, Thailand, in the early 90s. It was during these years that she made life-long friends and found her place in the world of humanitarian services. With fiery determination wrapped in humor and humanity, she had an unwavering belief in people and the power of communities. Leslie dedicated her life to being a relentless champion to vulnerable peoples in her positions as Associate Director for Refugee Housing Solutions (Church World Services), Azerbaijan and Georgia Country Director (U.S. Peace Corps), Afghanistan Country Director, Iraq Country Director, and Bangladesh Country Director (Save the Children) and as a Development Officer at the American Refugee Committee. In her early career Leslie worked in higher education institutional advancement and administration at both Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, and her beloved alma mater, Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. She received her Bachelors in Sociology and Social work from Saint Mary’s, as well as a Master of Science in Administration (MSA) from University of Notre Dame, and Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) from Northwestern University (just for fun!). In 2011 Leslie received the Humanitas Award from the Saint Mary’s College Alumnae Association, an honor of which she was immensely proud. She also served on the Board of Directors of The Border Consortium from 2014 to 2021. Unsurprisingly Leslie loved international travel and was a founding member of Women on the Move (WOTM), a group of crazy, hardy, fun-loving, wine-drinking broads who over 25 years trekked to England, Spain, Czech Republic, Ireland, Austria, Costa Rica, Iceland, Scotland, The Netherlands, Slovenia and Italy. They also recently enjoyed cruises to Australia/New Zealand and Norway. Leslie is survived by six siblings, Christine Wilson, Bruce Wilson (Rick), Robert Wilson (Renee), Amy Wilson, and Jenni Wilson (Marty), and Amy Ruby; God children Emma Colley-Mazumder (Shom), Elise Pope, and Vivienne Pope; nephews Reed Wilson (Lilian) and Ian Colley; and great nephew and niece Lee Aitkin Wilson and Marion Townsend Wilson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Evelyn Wilson, her nephew Grant Wilson, and her brother-in-law, Rick Solis. To her six bossy siblings, Leslie will always be known as THE Bossy Sister, always ready for a good fight followed up with lots of adult beverages. The love was fierce. They’re sure she is looking upon them now, correcting their grammar, and just wishing she could be directing this, her last hurrah. The family is planning a memorial service soon and will have details for anyone who is interested. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice. Some of Leslie’s favorites were the Beaver Memorial Library, Planned Parenthood, WQED Multimedia, 90.5 WESA, Every Campus a Refuge (ECAR), and the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. If anyone was destined to be a guardian angel to her siblings, her god children, and her friends, cheering us on to listen harder, act braver, and keep the less fortunate at the heart, it was Leslie. Please honor her by having a glass (or two) of really good wine, taking a long bike ride, going to the symphony, or practicing yoga. And for goodness’ sake, ladies, pay attention to your heart health. The Family will be hosting a celebration of Leslie’s life on October 19, 2025 from 1pm-4pm at Frank G’s Place, 500 Market Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Please contact a family member if you plan to attend.