Miriam Leslie

NORWICH, N.Y. — Miriam Leslie, 91, who lived more than 30 years on the Cape, in Brewster and Harwich, died at the Chenango Memorial Hospital, Residential Care Center Facility, in Norwich, N.Y., on Sept. 21, 2008.

Miriam was predeceased by her loving husband of 58 years, Kenneth Leslie. She is survived by two daughters, Joan Leslie Taylor of Guerneville, Calif., and Susan Porter of Greene, N.Y.; a son, Richard Leslie of Stratford, Conn.; and a sister, Ruth Hendriksen of Blairstown, N.J. In addition, she is survived by six grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.

Miriam, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Trnka) Stehlik, was born April 18, 1917, in Stratford, Conn. Before her marriage in 1943, Miriam worked in New York City as a secretary. She and Kenneth lived for many years in Ramsey, N.J., where they raised three children before moving to the Cape in 1972.

Miriam loved nature and was an ardent bird watcher, as well as a quilter, and an accomplished bridge player. She loved gardening and enjoyed walking along the beaches of the Cape with Kenneth. She was active in the community and a regular volunteer at the Brewster Ladies Library, the First Congregational thrift shop, and other organizations on the Cape. Miriam also sang in the church choir and was a member of the Audubon Society, P.E.O., and the Red Hat Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Root Funeral Home in Greene, N.Y. A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church of Harwich on Oct. 18, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be made to any charitable organization.