(from the Grand Rapids, MI Press)

LESLIE STEELE DODGSON  

Leslie Steele Dodgson, 60, passed away at her home on September 21, 2012. Leslie was the wife of John G. Dodgson of Grand Rapids. She is the mother of her beloved son Daniel Heath Smith, and step-mother of Katherine (David) Southwell and Jennifer (Darren) Delvaux. She leaves four precious grandchildren, David and Johnny Southwell, and Madison and Drew Delvaux. Leslie is the daughter of Heath and Alyson Steele and the sister of Shelley Steele and Laura (Larry) Smith, and their children Kellen and Maggie McCoy, and Zachary and Jessica Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, Paul McCoy. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, her family moved to Okemos, Michigan when she was twelve years old where she grew up and later attended Western Michigan University. In 1989 she met her husband John and moved along with her son Dane to Grand Rapids where she has resided for the past 23 years. Leslie had an uncanny ability to know and consider each and every person she met. She has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances whose lives she has permanently touched. Leslie created a beautiful live for herself and her family. Her love of flowers, music, gardening, and her birds helped fill her days with joy and happiness. She always had the right play-list for any occasion. Several years ago Leslie took her love for nature to a new level, becoming a Master Naturalist. She loved educating others on enjoying their gardens and getting the most out of walk in the woods. She will be missed immensely by all of us, family and friends alike, though we are far better individuals for having had Leslie in our lives. A funeral service for Leslie will be held at Fountain Street Church on Tuesday September 25 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 12:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to American Cancer Society