Leslie Kostick Harrah, 66, of Washington, PA, and La Vergne, TN, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2024, in her home in Tennessee after a courageous two-plus-year battle with cancer. She was born on June 15, 1957, in Washington, the daughter of the late Francis and Dolores Kostick. Leslie graduated from Trinity High School and from Salem College in Salem, WV. While in college, she met the love of her life, Robert Harrah. They were married in 1980 and enjoyed nearly 44 years of wonderful marriage.
Leslie was a proud and devoted mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed gardening, baking, reading, and traveling, including many trips to the beach with family and friends. She was a life-long animal lover, riding horses and participating in 4-H throughout her youth and doting on several beloved pet dogs. She as a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church and was an active member of the Nurture and Outreach Teams for many years.
Leslie’s 35-year career was devoted to the mission of the American Cancer Society (ACS). Her service began as a high school volunteer and continued as a college intern before she was hired as a Field Representative in Pittsburgh. She served as the Executive Director of Washington and Greene Counties for many years then was promoted to Regional Income Development Director for the Western Region of PA. Under Leslie’s tireless direction, more than $100 million was raised to fund cancer research, aid patients, and provide education in the community. Throughout her career, Leslie used her passion for medicine to engage medical professionals and facilitate their training in cancer treatment. She spearheaded many highly successful fundraising campaigns, which included Daffodil Days, Relay For Life, Golf and Gala Events. She worked diligently to recruit and train volunteers and staff, many of whom are still involved with the ACS almost twelve years after her retirement. She created an impactful legacy in her lifetime of work against cancer.
Leslie is survived by her husband, Bob Harrah; daughters, Katie (Drew Ault) Harrah of Smyrna, TN, and Mandy (Jose Bonilla) Harrah of Silver Spring, MD; brother, Curt Kostick of Washington, PA; cherished granddaughter, Emma Rose; sisters-in-law, Janet (Dave) Grafton and Mickey Love; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Friends will be received on June 7, and a funeral service will be held in her honor on June 8, officiated by Linda Webster at Faith United Presbyterian Church, 900 E. Beau St., Washington. A private interment will take place at Buffalo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Alive Hospice (alivehospice.org/getinvolved/give/), Faith United Presbyterian Church (900 East Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301), or The American Cancer Society (PO Box 862, Carnegie, PA 15106 or cancer.org).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Woodfin Funeral Chapels, Smyrna, TN; and William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., Washington, PA
