Obituary of Marcia L. Leek

Marcia L. Leek, Ph.D. of Turnersville, NJ, formerly of Laurel Springs, NJ passed away on July 12, 2016, at age 74. Beloved sister of Bonnie E. Leek of Longport, NJ and Venice, FL. She is also survived by numerous cousins and longtime friends. Born in Atlantic City, Dr. Leek was the elder child of the late Matthew H. and Mary S. Leek (nee Schmertz). She graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1960 and then graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.A. in Biology/Chemistry, Michigan State University with an M.S. in Biological Sciences, and the University of Pennsylvania with an M.S. in Chemistry/Education. Dr. Leek earned her Ph.D. degree from the University of Delaware in Curriculum, Instruction, and Evaluation/Marine Sciences. She joined the Black Horse Pike Regional School District in 1964 where she served in various capacities: as a science teacher, science supervisor, principal and then as the assistant superintendent. Dr. Leek retired from the Black Horse Pike Regional School District in September 2006. She continued her work in education as an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at Farleigh Dickinson University, Rowan University, and Camden County College. She served as mentoring administrator for the Foundation for Educational Administration NJPSA/L2L. Throughout her career Dr. Leek was the recipient of numerous educational awards and honors. Among these were the DeMartine Foundation Exceptional Teacher Award, the Delta Kappa Gamma Education Honor Society, the Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Society, and the Amy DuPont Fellowship. Dr. Leek's involvement extended beyond her numerous accomplishments in education. She contributed to various community service projects including the Laurel Springs Board of Education for ten years and the Laurel Springs Board of Health for fifteen years. She was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Sewell. Marcia enjoyed spending time at her condo on the Ventnor Boardwalk, where on a nice summer day she could be found riding her bike on the boards or swimming in the pool. She was an avid reader all her life. She was a birder and a member of the National Audubon Society. Her funeral service will be conducted at graveside on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Laurel Memorial Park, Tilton Road & English Creek Avenue, Pomona, NJ. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Leek's memory may be made to any of the following: American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034, the American Heart Association, 2250 US Highway 1, North Brunswick, NJ 08092-4301, the American Lung Association, 1031 Route 22 West, Suite 203, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, or to the Bethel United Methodist Church, 481 Delsea Drive, Sewell, NJ 08080. Memories may be shared at www.carnesalefuneralhome.com.