Leslie W. Riedel

Leslie White Riedel, 62, of Concord, died peacefully in her home from ALS on Sunday, October 11, 2009. She faced the devastating consequences of this disease with uncommon courage, composure and grace.

Born in Rockville Centre, NY on January 28, 1947, Leslie was the daughter of Doris (Pattison) and the late Arthur White. She was raised in Long Island, NY, attended the Waldorf School, and received her Bachelor’s degree from Denison University and her Master’s degree in Library Sciences from Long Island University.

Leslie is survived by her mother Doris Pattison White, of Boca Raton, FL, her husband of 32 years, Gerard (Rod) Riedel, their son Timothy K. Riedel and his wife Kelly (Stevens) of Boston, MA, and their son Garen P.W. Riedel of New York, NY.

Leslie’s career focused on introducing children to the joys of reading. Leslie served as school librarian in the Greenvale School in Old Brookville, NY, in the Joshua Eaton Elementary School in Reading, MA, and in the Fenn School in Concord, MA. Leslie continued to pursue her professional passion following her retirement as a librarian. She led a mother & son reading group for many years in Concord. Leslie also worked as a bookseller and children’s literature specialist, first at the Concord Bookshop and subsequently at Porter Square Books, where she was additionally a co-owner and co-founder. Leslie was an avid, voracious reader, whose recommendations for children’s books delighted generations of children, parents and grandparents.

Leslie will be especially remembered for her extraordinary sensitivity towards the feelings of others, the remarkable brightness of her eyes and smile, and the warmth of her caring for colleagues, friends and family. Together with Rod, Leslie raised her family while residing first in Cambridge and Canberra, Australia, then settling in Concord for the past 27 years. She was fiercely dedicated to her children’s development, sense of morality and fair play, and their happiness. Leslie found delights from many sources, including Tigger, her cherished golden retriever, and the companionship of dear friends.

CELEBRATION OF LESLIE'S LIFE
Sunday - November 15, 2009 9:00 a.m.
PORTER SQUARE BOOKS
25 White Street
Cambridge, MA
617-491-2220
www.portersquarebooks.com

INTERMENT
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
Concord, MA

GIFTS IN LESLIE'S NAME MAY BE MADE TO:
Concord Free Public Library
129 Main Street
Concord, MA 01742
www.concordlibrary.org

Arrangements under the care of Glenn D. Burlamachi
CONCORD FUNERAL HOME
74 Belknap St.
Concord, MA 01742
978/369-3388

Proud to be family owned, operated and occupied since 1936