Marie Leslie

Marie Gazzola Leslie passed quietly away early on the morning of June 17, 2015. She was born on July 11, 1927. She was the first born daughter of Elizabeth and John Mario Gazzola, Sr. of Hot Springs, VA. In 1951 she married John Villiers Leslie, an Irishman who found a home in the mountains of Bath County after serving in the US Army during WWII. Together they raised a family, mostly here in these mountains. They are daughters Terry Cretti and Maria Hubbard, and sons Kevin and Brian. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother, John M. Gazzola, Jr. She is survived by her sister Jeannie Gazzola Mawdsley Layman of Hot Springs. She is survived also by her children and her five grandchildren: Brian's daughters Sarah and Erin, Kevin's daughter Melissa, and Maria's daughter Wynn Hobbs and son Luke Hobbs. Marie had been in failing health for some years before her death. She spent those last years in the loving care of her daughter, Maria, and Maria's husband, Richard in Clemmons, NC. Marie was loved and cherished by all of her friends and family. She was quietly wise and always ready to share her wisdom and sage advice. She loved life; loved and appreciated all the good things life has to offer - especially sharing them with those she loved. She was firm in her beliefs, but was tolerant and respectful of others'. She was quietly content with life's bounty, yet just as quietly she persevered and endured when that bounty was not apparent. She shared these and all her many other fine qualities with those whom she loved. What a fine woman she was! She is sorely missed, and will always be loved. Her family will gather on her birthday this July 11th to remember and honor her, and to scatter her ashes in these mountains she loved so much. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family of Mrs. Leslie.