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Arabella Leet Obituary
Dr. Leet was born in 1965 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended the Winsor School in Boston, and graduated from Harvard College summa cum laude with a B.A. in anthropology. She received her M.D. from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She came to the Shriners Hospital in March 2012 after ten years at Johns Hopkins University, where she was Associate Professor and Director of the Orthopaedic Center for Children with Cerebral Palsy at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. She was a highly accomplished physician who was known for her compassion for her young patients and their families. She was also a distinguished research scientist who conducted and published extensive research on cerebral palsy, osteogenesis imperfecta, and fibrous dysplasia. Dr. Leet was the devoted mother of Kenneth Francis Nyman; and cherished wife of Steven Nyman, both of Honolulu. She is also survived by her father, Kenneth Leet, of Honolulu; and her brother, Kenneth Leet of London and Chicago. Contributions in her memory may be made to "Friends of Shriners - Honolulu", c/o 1310 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI 96826.
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Memories and Condolences
for Arabella Leet
Tamara Kazarian
January 16, 2014
I used to work in Arabella's lab at Hopkins. I was stunned when I heard this sad news. She was so full of life!
Steve and Kenny, my heart is with you in this time of sorrow. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the sudden loss of your loved one.
AGUON
January 14, 2014
She was such a great Dr. that she made sure that my daughter got the help she needed to get her brace done in a weeks time because we came all the way from Guam. Glad to have met such a wonderful person.
Kristin B
January 13, 2014
Our hearts go out to Arabella's family and friends at this difficult time. Know that the many hearts that Arabella touched will always remember her and be uplifted by her. Arabella made this world a better place.
K
January 11, 2014
My daughter was seeing Dr. Leet for her hips. We were probably one of her more troublesome patient families as my husband and I are more wary than most about any sort of procedure, or even non-procedure. But Dr. Leet was so patient with us, always caring, considerate, and honest, giving us all the information we needed to make the best decisions. We lost a great doctor and a great person. To her family, I am so sorry for your loss. Aloha no.
Lisa Wong
January 6, 2014
I met Dr. Leet on a trip home to Hawaii last February. We found that we had a remarkable number of parallels in our life's journey - Winsor (my daughter), Newton, Harvard - we are both violinists and physicians and learned to combine our music and medicine. Our meeting together in 2/13 was on my return to Punahou and, after over 35 years, to play music once again at my beloved Shriners Hospital. My deepest sympathy to Arabella's family - I know your move here to Hawaii was a life's dream.
Shriners Hospital February 2013
Lisa Wong
January 6, 2014
Paul, Teresa, Margaret, and Chester
January 3, 2014
Dear Steve and Kenny,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies. We cherish our many fond memories of Arabella. She was a kind soul, and wonderful neighbor.
Janice Nyman
December 28, 2013
Arabella, a very smart Lady, a pediatric surgeon and Chief of Staff for the Shriner's Hospital in Honolulu. She'd work all day and then spend every other moment playing with my nephew Kenny. She often had a tranquil and thoughtful look on her face. It somehow spread, and I would too feel more tranquil when I spent time in her company.
She would play with Kenny, and tease him: " The teacher said you won't do your writing exercises without her holding your hand." "I know you can do your writing exercises without the teacher holding your hand." Then they would snuggle up on the couch and watch a few cartoons: Aquanauts, Skooby-do. She liked to swim with Kenny in the pool: They had many plastic animals for him to learn diving.
She bought a water-color set for my Mother Marge, who had always wanted to spend more time in the arts. She invited me to Hawaii several times, always kind and welcoming. She brought her father Ken and mother Judy to live with her. She liked bringing people together as a family into her home.
She called my brother, "darling", and was a great match for Steve, as they both seemed to share the joy of day to day living, and of course they shared a passion for their amazing son, Kenny. While quizzing Steve and Arabella I found out they met online (Steves 20th date, Arabella's 1st) Steve had limited his picks to “doctors who ski”. They went boating instead, and later in Alaska, had an adventure climbing Flat-top.
Arabella was very playful, tranquil, kind, welcoming, passionate, adventurous and beyond all measure smart and strong. She was complex and simple simultaneously. She had a great mind. She had so much to admire.
We loved Arabella, and the time our family shared with Arabella was far to short.
Suzanne Cote
December 24, 2013
I hold you in my heart Arabella and smile thru the tears remembering your humor, kindness and compassion. May they continue to inspire us all. I extend my heartfelt condolences to your family.
Elaine White
December 22, 2013
Arabella's mother, Judith, and I became good friends after meeting at Winsor where my daughter, Grace (GG) White Borletti came to know Arabella. Judith's death seems all too recent and now, the news of Arabella's death at such a young age comes as a grievous blow. Judith and I often spoke of our daughters and their lives and I came to know Arabella not only as GG's friend but also as Judith's daughter. Of course to know Arabella was to love her and to stand in awe of her many accomplishments. It seems very unfair that she should be taken so soon from the world she served so remarkably. GG and I send our most profound sympathy to Arabella's family. We and all who knew her, will miss her intelligence, her professional skills and gracious presence. The world has been deprived of a beautiful young woman who had so much to offer it.
Char Koller
December 21, 2013
I had the privilege and honor of being Dr. Leet's nurse at Kennedy Krieger for many years. We became friends, not just co-workers. She impacted my life and my family. A true inspiration! I was devastated by the news as we had recent emails. My heartfelt deepest sympathies go out to Kenny, Steve and the family. She will be truly missed! Love, Char and family
Jill & Steve Chase
December 19, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Steven and Kenny. Dr. Leet was a very special person to us. She did most of Nick's surgeries and provided us with so much guidance and compassion. I felt she truly loved my Nick and knew she would always do the best for him. We loved her as well. We were heartbroken when she left Baltimore and now are even more saddened by her death. Our deepest prayers and healing intentions to you.
Norma Jean Simonsen
December 19, 2013
Condolences to Dr. Leet's family. She was a great asset to the faculty at Johns Hopkins Orthopaedics where I first met her. She will be missed.
Liz Umlas
December 18, 2013
I am so saddened by Annabel's passing. She and I were friends in high school and college, and though I hadn't seen her in many years, I followed her career and achievements with great pride and admiration. It was no surprise to those of us who knew her that she went on to accomplish so much. Annabel was an inspiration, a person of quiet determination and tremendous talent, but also a person of great warmth and humility. I miss her very much and would like to send my deepest condolences to her family. Annabel, you live on in our hearts.
Daniel Schechter
December 18, 2013
I have such fond memories of Arabella from our days at Columbia. And even though I have not seen her in so many years, I have periodically thought about how glad I was to have known her then as she brought cheer and inspiration not only to patients but to her fellow students and colleagues. Ever considerate and thoughtful, and so very brave, I miss her all the more now. Heartfelt wishes to her family.
Michael Minor
December 18, 2013
You'll be greatly missed by your fellow Harvard Class of '87 Family. Our prayers are with your family.
chris
December 18, 2013
A bright light in the medical world went out today. May your family and friends know you touched many lives
December 18, 2013
My condolences to Dr. Leet's family. I first worked with Dr. Leet in the summer of my first and second year of medical school. She was an excellent mentor, teacher and clinician and one of the reasons I entered orthopaedics. She was dedicated to her patients and to advancing orthopaedic knowledge. I was fortunate to continue to work with Dr. Leet as a resident and learn from her. She has impacted numerous lives in a positive manner. It is a true loss. Addisu Mesfin MD
Susan Scherl, MD
December 18, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to the Nyman and Leet families. Arabella was a respected professional colleague, and a wonderful friend. She and I joined POSNA at about the same time, and I always looked forward to catching up with her at meetings. She will be greatly missed, and very fondly remembered.
Catharine Nyman
December 18, 2013
Arabella was such an amazing, inspirational person. She will be missed dearly.
December 18, 2013
I am so saddened to hear of Arabella's death. As one of the many faculty at U Minnesota where she did her Orthopaedic Surgery training, I was fortunate to see her talents shine daily. I admired her ability to demonstrate compassion, care, humility, and sincerity while working long hours and all the while maintaining her wonderful femininity despite working in a rather male dominated profession. As I send condelences to her parents, husband and son, I want them to know that Arabella truly defined the term physician, was a credit to her profession, and touched all those around her. God bless her. Ed Cheng, MD
Eugenie Jeffries
December 18, 2013
I was fortunate enough to become friends with Arabella during our time at the Winsor School. Arabella had an extraordinary intellect, a generous heart, and a determined, yet sweet, spirit. She truly was flawless. I was not at all surprised to learn of her career choice and her great success in the field. I knew from a very young age that Arabella would achieve great things, and would do so with her customary humility. The world is indeed a darker place without this gentle soul here on Earth. I send great love and prayers to her husband Steve, her son Kenny, and to her family. Arabella,I love you and I shall never forget you.
Henry Boateng
December 18, 2013
Very sad to hear this. Dr Leet was kind hearted and was incredibly passionate about the patients she took care of. She will be missed. I'm glad I had the opportunity to learn from her
Verna Clayton
December 18, 2013
Thank You for your time and kindness well spent at Shriners Hospital, Honolulu
Dr. & Mrs. Richard Reynolds
December 18, 2013
Arabella was always such kind spirit with a gentle soul; please accept our condolences & many blessings to your family.
David Nyman
December 18, 2013
Arabella shines on in Kenny's eyes. Peace to Arabella and our families. I will celebrate her life with every compassionate act I complete.
December 18, 2013
Dr. Leet was a valued member of the Kennedy Krieger Children's Hospital in Baltimore. She was loved by her patients and families and an inspiration to our staff. We miss her and she remains in the hearts of all who knew her and her efforts on behalf of children with cerebral palsy. Gary Goldstein
Denise Aranoff-Brown
December 18, 2013
What a wonderful surprise it was to run into Arabella and adorably happy baby Kenny at the Aquarium when I worked there (so far from Pilgrim Road and Winsor!). Arabella was the best of the best in so many ways, and the world is a little smaller without her in it. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Joe Gjolaj
December 18, 2013
My condolences to her family and friends. During my residency, I knew her as a compassionate clinician and a kind person. She will certainly be missed.
Dawn Marie Beals
December 18, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Lael Luedtke, MD
December 18, 2013
I have had the privilege of knowing Arabella since the mid-nineties while we were both training at the University of Minnesota. She had such a tremendous spirit, work ethic and sense of humor. Her great success has come as no surprise. Her passing leaves an enormous void in so many realms. Arabella, you will be greatly missed.
Grace White
December 17, 2013
Steve and Kenny, please accept my sincere condolences. Annabel and I were friends at the Winsor school. I admired her very much. She was so smart. She had the most wonderul smile; warm, joyful and a little mischievous! Her generosity and gentle determination were inspirations to us all. I wish you both strength in this difficult time.
December 17, 2013
Bel was the best. As I grew to know her at Hopkins she became a great friend to both myself and my children. Her mother became entranced with my daughters which was truly special to them. We treasured the dogs, then Steve and Kenny, although we did not see them much after Kenny was about 2 years. thanks for the warm memories and my sincere condolences go out to Steve and Kenny.
nancy miller
Gregory Smith
December 17, 2013
On behalf of all friends in Baltimore Maryland, I would like to express our sincere sympathy to the Leet and Nyman family at this time of great loss. It has been my pleasure to work with Steve at Northrop Grumman, and I know the love that their family shares. Many wonderful memories of Arabella and the family's love will help to sustain them through this very difficult period. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as we all strive to follow the splendid example that Arabella established on so many levels. Perhaps in this manner, we can together have a positive influence on society – each in our own way, while we carry on in Arabella's spirit.
Sincerely,
Gregory E. Smith
RJ Lee
December 17, 2013
Dr. Leet was a great teacher and a great person. Our prayers are with her and her family.
Shriners Clinic Fiji 2013
Rob and Lory Leacock
December 17, 2013
We met Arabella on her trip to Fiji in March 2013. She continued to bless us in Fiji, not only for what she did for our kids but for French's French fried onions! Only when you live overseas do you understand. What a blessing to so many children in Fiji. Our hearts go out to you, Steven and Kenny...
December 17, 2013
Steve and Kenny,
We are so sorry for your loss.
You'll be in our prayers.
Love,
Scott, Koreen, Nancy
the smiling one!
Amanda Blakeley
December 17, 2013
To Annabel's family, We knew each other from kindergarten at the Park school, then Winsor and met up on occasion in DC while both at Hopkins. What a truly loving and beautiful spirit she always had. Annabel will be greatly missed and always loved. Heartfelt condolences to her family.
Dear Annabel, I've known you since kindergarten at Park, thru Winsor and later Hopkins. You were always so kind and good. You will be missed. Love
Amanda Blakeley
December 17, 2013
December 17, 2013
To her family, Anabel was one of those people whose kindness spoke unending volumes and who was someone that you were truly glad to have known in your life. My very deepest sympathies to you. Andree Saulnier (winsor classmate)
Julie Livingston
December 17, 2013
Anabell was my older sister, Cathy's dearest friend at Windsor. I remember distinctly as a girl marveling at her. To see a fellow child epitomize such grace and kindness, such a perfect soul on display seemed as wondrous to me then as it does now many decades later...I am overwhelmed by the enormity of your loss.
Dale and Dr. Leet taken July 2012
Robyn Dyke
December 17, 2013
Steven and Kenny - I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Arabella. My daughter was a patient of hers, we just saw her 1 1/2 years ago in Hawaii for surgeries. We loved her and she has taught us so much over the years. She will be forever loved and we will never forget her.
Beth Bacon
December 17, 2013
Anabel (as I knew her) offered great contributions and small ones every day, to everyone she encountered. We love you and will miss you. What a privilege it was to have you with us.
December 17, 2013
To the family: She was a valued and respected colleague and gifted orthopedic surgeon here at Hopkins. Our sincere condolences and prayers are with her young son, husband and family. John P Gearhart MD FACS FAAP FRCS Professor and Chief of Pedaitric urology The Johns Hopkins Hospital
carol Post
December 17, 2013
Arabella was without doubt the BEST babysitter that we ever had.I am shocked as everyone is about her passing.I was a neighbor of her and her parents and brother in Boston for many years.I just received word about her very untimely death.The neighbors here would very much like to be in communication with Kenneth at some future time.She was such a happy presence for us.We all grieve your loss.
Siobhan O'Riordan
December 17, 2013
She inspired all who knew her to be kind, generous and good. Her quiet strength a lesson to us all. Love to our Annabel; love to her wonderful family.
December 17, 2013
Please accept my sincere condolences. May the God of all comfort give you strength and peace as you endure this most difficult time. Take comfort in His promise of eternal life.
Dr. Leet receiving award from Fibrous Dysplasia Foundation
Charles Harles
December 17, 2013
Dr. Leet was a very special person for those of us with fibrous dysplasia. She was so wonderful with the children she worked with and the parents she comforted. She was a recipient of the Constellation Award by the Fibrous Dysplasia Foundation in 2010. Our prayers are with Steve, Kenny and the rest of her family and friends.Charles Harles, President of the Fibrous Dysplasia Foundation
Beth Peterson
December 17, 2013
To all who loved Bel we send our heartfelt condolences. From friends and faculty at The Winsor School.
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