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Dr. Leisa Karanjia
Dr. Leisa Karanjia
Obituary
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Dr. Leisa Karanjia Obituary
Leisa embarked on her educational journey at Ashland High School and then earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo, becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her passion for education led her to obtain a Master's degree from Kent State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University. Throughout her illustrious career, Leisa touched many lives as an Elementary School Teacher in Ohio, California, and New Jersey, later advancing to roles as Assistant Principal at Crichton Elementary in Pemberton Township, and Principal at Glenview Elementary in Haddon Heights.
In 1998, she became Principal at South Valley Elementary school a place she devoted the next 20 years of her life, creating sunshine for students, faculty, and staff. She encountered thousands of students, memorizing each name and remembering it long after students had moved on to the next school. Her greatest gift was getting to be principal for her own two children. She was driven by kindness and a determination to help each student enjoy school and learning, most especially, reading.
Post-retirement, she continued to inspire as an Education Instructor at Rowan College at Burlington County finding a new love for teaching soon-to-be educators.
Leisa was the life of the party, known for her loud laugh and her innate ability to connect with people both young and old. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed walking, practicing yoga, shopping a good sale, and cheering for her favorite sports teams from Cleveland, Ohio State, and Philadelphia. Her travels and times at the beach were cherished moments of her life.
Leisa was the loving wife of Homyar Karanjia and a devoted mother to Allison and Alex Karanjia. She is survived by her mother, Bonnie Napier; parents-in-law, Noshir and Nergish Karanjia; brothers, Keith (Jill) Napier and Kevin (Renée) Napier; sister-in-law, Banoo Karanjia; nephews, Daniel (Taylor) Napier, Luke (Ashley) Napier, Drake Napier; niece, Hope (HL) Walker; great-nephews, James Napier, Henry Napier, Luca Walker; and her beloved pets, Elvis, Khaleesi, and Parker. She was preceded in death by her father, Bobbie Napier.
Memorial service will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 at South Valley Elementary School Auditorium, 210 South Stanwick Road, Moorestown, NJ 08057. Visitation will be from 4pm-6pm followed by a service at 6pm. Please consider bringing a copy of your favorite children's book for donation in her honor.
Lewis Funeral Home of Moorestown, New Jersey, is assisting the family during this time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the World Literacy Fund at [https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/](https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/) to honor Leisa's lifelong commitment to education and literacy.
Leisa's legacy will continue to influence and inspire future generations.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Wankadiya family
August 22, 2024
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. There are no words, but please know that we´re thinking of you and praying for your family. We did not have the privilege of knowing Leisa but our friends Nergish and Noshir were so very proud of her and the kids. They constantly spoke of her with the greatest affection. May her kind Soul rest in peace. We pray that your dear family may find the strength to bear this loss. May your love and fond memories bring you some comfort.
Gianna Bertsch
August 14, 2024
I had her for my education class in college and had found out she used to be my old principal from south valley. She was just an amazing teacher so kind and sweet this is so sad to have learned she has passed. I´m sending lots of love and thoughts to her family.
Joanne Gorman
July 15, 2024
Dear Homyar Allison & Alex
I am so saddened for your loss....Leisa was the most incredible educator I ever knew... She had a wonderful rapport with her students & staff & so up on life, I will always remember my time working at South Valley School,
Most of all her beautiful smile... I will miss her always... my sympathy to you all & her Family... Joanne Gorman
Marcy Karper Doyle
July 14, 2024
Leisa was in my graduating class at Ashland High School in Ashland, OH. We lost touch with each other after graduating in 1980 and she never returned to a class reunion until our 40th in 2021 (should have been 2020 but delayed due to Covid). She was so excited to see everyone and have conversation with them and everyone was just as excited to see her as well. She explained how she was never able to attend previously due to them always being in September which was the start of her school year.....and she was very quick to have a one-on-one conversation with me Saturday night to tell me she would never ever miss another reunion as long as we had them. Soooo many classmates have reached out to me asking what happened and are praying for her husband, children and colleagues. I, along with many others, will remember Leisa along with our other deceased classmates at our class reunion in 2025. Rest in peace, sweet girl.
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Kat Iannuzzi
July 13, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was a phenomenal professor who made learning exciting and new in every class. Her genuine care for students and our shared love for Taylor Swift strengthened our bond. Her dedication to education was inspiring, and seeing her at graduation in May, beaming with pride. Her legacy of excellence and compassion will deeply resonate with all who knew her.
Annette De Rosa
July 13, 2024
I knew Leisa first as a principal to my girls and then as my employer and friend. I was working at South Valley when the principal´s secretary position opened up and I told Leisa I was going to apply for it and she said "I was hoping you would". One of the best decisions of my life. I admired her so much and the way she ran that school. She really did know every students name and their parents once she met them. Alex, Alison and Natalie would come to the school when the UES let out and hang in the office and do homework and maybe deliver mail until we were able to leave each day. We used to bring them with us to school the last two weeks of August when the staff had to be in prior to the opening. Leisa was amazing and so many ways, most of them have been expressed by others and they were reiterated at the service yesterday. It seems surreal that we were back at South Valley for a memorial service for her. My first thought as I was walking down to the school was that she was missing, she was always at the front door, greeting the buses in the morning and she was out there in the afternoon as they left. My heart goes out to Homyar, Allison and Alex. There are no words to say to make this right or OK. May you take comfort in the fact that Leisa meant so much to so many. Heaven has certainly gained an angel, but a huge hole has occurred on earth that can never be filled. Rest in peace my friend.
Skylar Noyes
July 13, 2024
I remember her as our South Valley principle. She always had a kind, caring, and loving presence about her and always had bright smile on her face. Sending love to her family and friends at this time.
Jaylin Nucifora
July 12, 2024
Jaylin Nucifora
July 12, 2024
Jaylin Nucifora
July 12, 2024
I was one of the amazingly lucky students to have Dr. Karanjia this past school year at RCBC. She had a wonderfully energetic and passionate energy about everything, from education to her family to the Phillies. Walking into her class was always exciting because you were never sure what was to come. She cared about her students like no other teacher I have ever had and you could tell that she loved what she did. She gave constructive criticism when necessary and ALWAYS made sure to give positive feedback and compliments. I know that I am and will be a better educator because of her.
One day in class we did an activity where we talked about places we want to travel and what we would bring back from those places to add to our classrooms. Unfortunately I was on my way to Italy when I heard of her passing and I am heartbroken that I am not able to attend her services, but I picked up a children´s book in Venice to put away for my classroom and I have made it a goal to collect things from every place I travel for my classroom to honor her (and to benefit my own students the way she has for us). I hope that I can make her proud as an educator.
Dr. Karanjia was a wonderful teacher, mentor, colleague, and all around a kind person. I am sorry to the future education students who will miss out on her exciting classroom energy, and I am honored to have had the pleasure to experience it myself. I will always make sure to keep her and her lessons in the back of my mind and keep her spirit as a part of my classroom.
Amy Miele
July 12, 2024
I will never forget my interview with Leisa for the librarian position at South Valley. Leisa was so passionate about education and reading and there was an immediate feeling of comfort for me in the interview. I think we talked for 2 hours and most of our conversation centered around what books we loved and adored. We even discovered a mutual love of an obscure children´s mystery series called The Three Investigators. Leisa couldn´t remember the name and when she learned that I loved mysteries she asked me about the details she remembered in the series and we found that we both read it as kids. I had such an amazing time talking with her that when I went home my husband asked how it went and I forgot that I didn´t already work for her and it was actually an interview. I got the job and for the rest of our time together Leisa and I bonded over our passion for helping students learn to love reading, and chatting about our own reading lives. I am sending all of my thoughts and sympathies to Homyar, Allison and Alex as they mourn their wife and mother.
Jenny Torres
July 12, 2024
I enjoyed seeing her in the office. She always had a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kaylyn Hargrave
July 12, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was one of my professors when I was in the education program at RCBC. Her love for teaching was shown every day by the way she taught the class. Everyday we did a fun activity. We connected over Philly sports especially the Phillies. I had her class when they were in the postseason and made Phillies bracelets and gave her one with her favorite player. We also connected over Taylor Swift and would talk about her concert. She will forever be remembered and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
Marty Hagerty
July 12, 2024
My children and I are so sad to hear this news. Leisa was a wonderful principal and my kids loved her. She was everything we want in a teacher and administrator, and she was a gift to her community. My heart hurts for her family. I hope the love for her that we all have is comforting.
Marty Hagerty
Aimee Haberstick
July 12, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was one of my favorite professors at RCBC. I always enjoyed the coming to class. Her love of teaching made every class a joy, filled with engaging activities that mirrored the future classrooms we aspired to create. She inspired us to live life to the fullest and view everything as a learning opportunity. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by many. Her guidance and instruction at RCBC left a lasting impact on countless students. My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
Renée Arciere
July 12, 2024
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Leisa. She was a wonderful and cheerful person who always had a smile on her face. She had a great love for education, and it definitely showed. Working with her at South Valley Elementary was such a wonderful learning experience for me. I will never forget that period in my life when she was the principal there. She will be deeply missed. Sending prayers to her husband and children and her other family members and close friends during this very difficult time.
Janet Falcon
July 12, 2024
Leisa and her family featured very prominently in my children's childhood. From being their first principal at South Valley to sitting on the sidelines at sporting events as we all cheered on each other's children. She has left behind a beautiful legacy in Moorestown and beyond. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten!
Emily Rodzon
July 12, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was such a kind, passionate, and helpful professor at RCBC. She was always willing to give advice, be a listening ear, and lit up a room with her positive attitude & smile. You truly have shaped me into the teacher I am today and I will forever be grateful. Sending prayers and my condolences to your family at this time. In loving memory of a wonderful person, you will be missed.
Deanna Seidman
July 12, 2024
Deanna Seidman
July 12, 2024
Deanna Seidman
July 12, 2024
Deanna Seidman
July 12, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was one of my most caring, helpful and understanding professors at RCBC. She always had a smile on her face and made you feel seen. No doubt that she has helped me be the teacher I am today. I am sad to see her go so soon and I am sending prayers and condolences to her family at this time
Ashley Craig
July 12, 2024
Ashley Craig
July 12, 2024
I remember walking into her class as an older college student. Her smile invited me to the front row, she immediately made me feel comfortable. What an incredible spirit.
Annette Quinn
July 11, 2024
Annette Quinn
July 11, 2024
Annette Quinn
July 11, 2024
We saw Lisa at our 40th high school reunion (held in 2021) in Ashland, Ohio. It was great to see her after such a long time. She enjoyed the reunion and she had blossomed into a great woman with a friendly personality to all. Here was our Edison Elementary school friends and her talking with friends at the reunion. From what everyone has said, she blessed so many. Condolences to family classmates and students that knew her best. I've never heard a person this highly mentioned in my life. Wish I had known her better. Perhaps I will see her again one day. That will be a great day!
Peggy Tester
July 10, 2024
Bonnie,,,so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and family.God Bless Peggy Tester
Ken Mariano
July 10, 2024
I´ve had the pleasure of working with Leisa for the past few years at RCBC. We taught different disciplines but every time I saw her she was always smiling and very pleasant. The sky can be falling, the world burning, but with her you would never know. Leisa, I read all these messages, and it´s amazing how one can positively impact so many lives. I´ll miss your smile, humor, and kindness. My condolences to your friends and family. You will be missed.
Nancy Clark
July 10, 2024
Leisa was my principal when I work at Glenview school. She was such a caring and wonderful person. She always made time for staff and students. Every year at Christmas Lesia made ceramic Christmas tree ornaments for all the staff. I still have the ornaments and hang them on our tree each year. When I hang them on the tree I always think of her. She will be truly missed. Sending her family prayers.
Lorraine Iacovelli
July 10, 2024
Lorraine Iacovelli
July 10, 2024
Lorraine Iacovelli
July 10, 2024
Lorraine Iacovelli
July 10, 2024
I am deeply saddened by the news of Leisa´s passing. Leisa was a wonderful and very special person. She will always remain in my heart and in the many memories of our South Valley years together. Sending my healing prayers and comforting hugs to Homyar, Allison & Alex.
Leia Maselli
July 10, 2024
Dr.Karanjia was the first professor I met once I transferred to RCBC my freshman year, spring 2022 of college! We instantly connected as she told me she goes by her middle name Lisa but spelled it Leisa. Exactly like my name which is pronounced Leah but spelled Leia. She was lively, passionate, and so much fun in her classroom. I never saw someone so passionate about their career until I met Dr. Karanjia. She inspired me to not only continue to be an educator but to also love the field I am studying. I remember always sharing our music playlist and finding the top hits of the week. I told her how my mom loved Dua Lipa and all the big pop stars today. Dr. Karanjia always asked about my mom and would discuss her Dua Lipa and Taylor Swift songs she liked and to share them with my mom. It became a very common discussion about the pop music we liked! I loved how she connected to me not on just a school level, but a personal. That is something that will stick with me forever because no other educator has done that for me! Dr, Karanjia was not only an educator but she knew how to connect with ALL her students. Her laugh is so distinct I will never forget it, being that she found joy and laughter every day in the classroom. I had her as my professor for three years and I appreciate how much of great impact she had on myself. She will never be forgotten! She helped me through a break up in my sophmore year of college. And was jumping for joy when I told her the news that I got a new, lovely, boyfriend my junior year. She was always one of my biggest supporter in school. And she was like that for all her students, their biggest supporter. I am so thankful for all of that done by her! Rest in peace to an amazing person, and sending so much love to her family and loved ones!
Renae & Brian Osborne
July 10, 2024
So sorry to hear about Leisa's passing. We knew her when she lived in Ashland, Ohio. Praying for her family during this difficult time.
Georgette Babici
July 10, 2024
My deepest condolences to Dr. Karanjia's family. I have beautiful memories of her from South Valley. She will be dearly missed.
Sebastien Lemaire
July 10, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was a wonderful person. My mom and Leisa were close at South Valley. I would constantly be around her due to me staying after school running around the halls. Dr. Karanjia made those halls feel like a home. Then later in life far after 3rd grade we became a "bump into buddy" at RCBC when we would walk past each other one our way our classes, talking about the day. She even became a regular at the Pie Lady where she was continued to gossip and have fun. I will miss making your coffees every Thursday morning. You were a great friend and will be missed deeply.
Kelly Ziolkowski
July 9, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was an amazing teacher. Without question, she was such a huge inspiration to her students as she guided them through their journey to become future educators. I had her for her Educational Psychology class two semesters ago and I was supposed to have her for a class for this upcoming semester. I will definitely miss her. I would look forward to attending her class and rarely missed it. Every time I would walk in, she would say hi to me and ask how I´m doing. This taught me the importance of doing check ins with students, showing you cared about them. What I loved about her class was it wasn´t about getting all the knowledge engrained to your mind. Dr. Karanjia valued fostering healthy relationships with her students, providing appropriate feedback to grow and learn through their mistakes! She shined a light in the students lives she touched and will always carry an influential legacy. She had such a passion for teaching. My heart goes out to the Karanjia family during this difficult time. May God bring upon you comfort and peace during this unexpected passing. May the special memories we cherish with her remain in our hearts forever! Rest easy Dr. Karanjia, you will be greatly missed
bailee pierson
July 9, 2024
bailee pierson
July 9, 2024
bailee pierson
July 9, 2024
Words seem inadequate to express the impact that Dr. Karanjia had on my life, and on all of us who were fortunate enough to learn from and be guided by her. Dr. Karanjia´s passion for teaching wasn't just about imparting knowledge; it was about nurturing growth, instilling confidence, and inspiring dreams. She saw potential in each of us that we often didn't see in ourselves and encouraged us to strive for excellence in everything we did.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Karanjia was a mentor, a friend, and a source of unwavering support. We often shared our most recent reads and connected deeply over our love for books. Her kindness and understanding made her someone we could turn to in times of joy and in times of difficulty. She celebrated our successes with genuine pride and offered guidance and encouragement during our struggles. Her passing has left a void that words cannot fill, but I find comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on within her family and the countless lives she has touched. We are all better individuals because of her influence, and her infectious spirit will continue to inspire us to reach for the highest ideals in our lives.
With deepest sympathy and love, Bailee Pierson
DEBORAH SWAN-HALPIN
July 9, 2024
Leisa provided the stability South Valley needed after a year or two of questionable leadership. I remember being impressed with her saying she wasn´t looking to make big changes, and wanted to take her time and get to know all aspects of the school, before putting her stamp on it.
Although I only worked with her for 3 years, I will always admire her leadership style and willingness to always support her faculty!
My heart aches for her family as they try to process her untimely passing! May the special memories shared with Leisa, bring peace to the hearts of her family and friends!
Mackenzie Sapp
July 9, 2024
Mackenzie Sapp
July 9, 2024
Mackenzie Sapp
July 9, 2024
I first met Dr. Karanjia and noticed right away, "Wow, she's tall just like me." As I got to know her, I realized she was not only a professor but also an incredible mentor. Her teaching style, demeanor, and infectious personality showed me exactly the kind of educator I aspire to be. During our last semester of junior year, my anxiety about teaching started to surface. Opening up to her about my feelings alleviated my fears; she assured me that I had the potential to be an outstanding teacher.
In our first semester of junior year, Karanjia introduced us to some of her favorite songs, teaching me that any shared interest can create a connection with students. While I always knew I wanted to teach science, experiencing Karanjia's enthusiasm and the sheer enjoyment she brought to our science class in the last semester solidified my passion. She made learning feel effortless and enjoyable, much like Mrs. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus series. When I compared her to Mrs. Frizzle, she was initially taken aback, but she soon understood it was a compliment, and she embraced the comparison wholeheartedly.
My relationship with Karanjia grew so much that she affectionately called me her 'mini me.' We even discussed the possibility of her making guest appearances in my future classroom. She was not just an amazing person, but also a teacher, mentor, and friend who had a profound impact on me. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been influenced by her in shaping the educator I aim to become.
PJ Galant
July 9, 2024
Allison and I met in college and lived together our senior year, thanks to our friendship, I was lucky enough to meet Leisa. Whether it was by sending a thoughtful care package, sharing the latest gossip around the breakfast table, or just being swept into one of her incredible hugs, Leisa had a way of always making me feel at home. As a teacher myself, I also had the privilege of learning from Leisa as a mentor. Though still early in my career, Leisa never made me feel any less of an educator. I will miss her lessons, her love, and her laugh. My heart is with all of her loved ones during this time. May her memory forever be a blessing.
Connor Eberhardt
July 9, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was an amazing person and professor. I always looked forward to her class and getting to say hi before the class would start. She was so nice and really cared about her students. I loved getting to do her check ins after weekends where we would share something about our lives and she really wanted to hear about all her students had to say. She influenced me as a person and as a future teacher and I will forever cherish the memories I had with her. I send my condolences to her family during this time.
Megan Dixon
July 9, 2024
Doctor Karanjia was one of the best professors I have had in college. She was always radiating with happiness never came into class without a smile. Her attitude towards education was inspiring and something I´ll always remember. I remember in our one class you had us fill a note book with pictures and memories of things that describe us and made us happy, your´s was full of your family, now more than ever memories are something we´ll have to remember you by. I´ll miss your encouraging conversations and the confidence you had in all of us. We´ll miss our cheerleader. May you be welcomed to heaven with open arms and may we all be just a bit like you in the classroom. I hope you have an unlimited supply of books and Taylor Swift in heaven. May you rest in peace You will forever be missed Doctor Karanjia
Megan Dixon
Makayla McCarthy
July 9, 2024
Mary Beth Foit
July 9, 2024
I met this wonderful loving family devoted women when she brought her amazing mother into our office to have Cataract surgery. Long story short with her living far away she didn't have anyone to help with Bonnie with her eye drops. The first day that I met her mother I knew that I would want to help the family out. So from then on I helped Bonnie out with her daily medication for over a year. Seen how not only Leisa...but how both brothers loved their mother
My heart goes out to her family and friends
Jamir Laster
July 9, 2024
My favorite thing about Dr. Karanjia was how much passion she had for teaching, everyday she came in with a smile and eager to teach us new things. I´m going to miss her .
Makayla McCarthy
July 9, 2024
Dr.Karanjia was undoubtedly the most powerful, influential teacher I have ever had. She was one of my professors during most of my time at RCBC. On day one, she made it her mission to have all of our names memorized and had them down by the end of the class. I was in her class the day the world shut down for Covid-19. Someone raised their hand while she was teaching and read the college´s email aloud to us. She gave us all a motivational and reassuring pep talk then sent us out the door to face the unknowns of Covid-19. When school was back open, she was there to welcome us with open arms. She loved us like we were her own children. Bringing us little snacks and goodies to class. She showed up at every ceremony and important events we asked (or didn´t ask haha) her to attend. When I won an award at RCBC she was there to watch me accept the award. When I crossed the stage at Rowan for graduation in 2023, she was the first person I saw when I got off the stage. She gave me the biggest hug and congratulated me. After graduation, she reached out asking about where I was going to be teaching. There aren´t many educators like Dr.Karanjia. Or people in general. One of the most loving, generous, lively women I have ever had the pleasure of building a relationship with. All I do as an educator I will do in her honor
Leann Bookmyer Anderson
July 9, 2024
We went to grade school and were in Girl Scouts as well as neighborhood pals. She was one of the best.
Jennifer Araten-Castillo
July 9, 2024
My deepest condolences to Dr. Karanjia's family. I have beautiful memories of her greeting my children on their first day of school at South Valley. She will be dearly missed.
Robyn Chojnacki
July 9, 2024
Dr. Karanjia´s legacy will continue on in the hearts of every one of her students and fellow educators. I will never forget her huge smile and open arms when I walked off Rowan´s commencement ceremony stage, as she was clearly so proud and happy for us. Her guidance and instruction at RCBC was inspiring and impactful to many. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.
Samantha Rozenberg
July 9, 2024
When I met her in class, she was so kind and so funny and welcoming. She will be dearly missed <3
Joretta Wong
July 9, 2024
We have the fondest memories of Dr. Karanjia, with three children having gone through South Valley during her tenure. She was always a pleasure to talk to and impressively knew all her students and families by name. Sending condolences to her family and loved ones. Our hearts are with you through this difficult time.
Cassia Vazquez
July 9, 2024
Dr Leisa was my professor in 2 education classes at RCBC. Though they were online, she was very present in the class. She was supportive and encouraging in my educational journey. I learned a lot from her and even though I never met her personally, she will always be apart of my journey. My condolences to her family and friends and to Rowan.
Taryn R
July 9, 2024
I didn´t know Mrs. Karanjia for that long, but she left an everlasting impact on me and my future career. I had her Educational Psychology class last semester and that was the best class I´ve taken in my life whole college career, and I´m happy I had the chance to tell her that. Mrs. Karanjia was so nice, sweet, understanding, and a very caring woman in general. I looked forward to her class every day and rarely missed it because I liked the positive environment she created and the course work was very easy and fun to learn. She even inspired me to possibly become a teacher in the future. I admired her so much and it broke my heart to hear of her passing. Rest easy, Mrs. Karanjia. Thank you for all you´ve done and I´ll never forget you.
Shea Dowling
July 9, 2024
When I think of Dr. Karanjia I immediately think of fun and kindness. She had a way of making each of Allison´s friends feel like they were instantly a part of their family. I know she touched so many lives, in her career, family, and anyone that had the opportunity to meet and/or know her. All my thoughts and love are with the Karanjias during this time.
Morgan Whitley
July 9, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was an amazing professor. She has be an influential person in my life for the last 2 years And I will always value what she taught me. My condolences to the family.
Tori Rapko
July 9, 2024
Dr. Leisa Karanjia was one of my favorite professors at RCBC. Every time I saw her she would greet me with a smile and ask how my day was going. She inspired me so much to continue following my route of becoming an educator when I was having doubts. Dr. Karanjia made all of her students feel known and appreciated. She was an inspiration to all of her students and I will take everything I learned from her on my journey to becoming a teacher. My condolences to all of her friends and family. She will be dearly missed and remembered.
Keyirrah W.
July 9, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was one of my education professors last semester and was supposed to be this upcoming semester as well and I´m so sad to hear about this tragedy of her passing. She was ALWAYS a light and looked forward to coming and teaching us future educators every day and she made class just so fun and engaging for us all. We will miss so tremendously Dr. Karanjia. May you rest peacefully
Linda schaeffer
July 9, 2024
I was on the interviewing committee at South Valley when she was hired. She was a friend and a colleague in a sense. Always respected and cared for her. I am so sorry for her familie´s and community of Moorestowns loss
Liz C
July 9, 2024
After hearing so many fantastic things about her from my peers, I was excited to learn from her in my next semester. She must have been an absolutely wonderful woman. You do not often hear of how deeply a college professor has touched their students. I wish I got to meet her. May she rest peacefully after years of spreading knowledge and kindness.
Sandy Brooks
July 9, 2024
Leisa was a very special person. She hired me as a para professional at South Valley 10 years ago and gave me my start in the Moorestown School District. I would see her around town walking and occasionally at Pie Lady having coffee with friends. Last semester, my daughter had her as her professor at RCBC and was so happy to be in her class. Leisa had a way of connecting with her students and I will always remember her as a kind, caring and compassionate Principal and teacher. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to her husband and children as they navigate life without her. Leisa, you will be missed.
Richard Bucko
July 9, 2024
My condolences to Homyar, Alison, and Alex. We have all lost a treasured person. Leisa brought smiles, beauty and learning into our lives. In the years I worked with her, she was an enlightened professional who spread joy and optimism to students, teachers and friends. She will be greatly missed by those fortunate enough to have been influenced by her. Richard Bucko
Natalie De Rosa
July 9, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was a pivotal part of my childhood experience through MTPS. I spent countless days after school hanging out in the main office waiting for my mom to finish her work day. Dr. Karanjia would always say hello and ask me how my day was, what I learned, and what I was working on in school. She took an interest in me as an individual and always made me feel welcome. She was the epitome of being a female leader and someone I still try to emulate today. In Kindergarten, she gifted me a small stuffed lion, that I still have to this day. Whenever she visited our classrooms at South Valley it was a gift and she would light up the room, and we always knew she was on her way by the sound of her heels coming down the hallway. She was a wonderful person, educator, and mentor. She will be dearly missed. The Sun Always Shines on South Valley.
Yasmin
July 9, 2024
when i was at South Valley she knew everyone´s name including mine. she always said good morning and had a smile on her face
Danielle Frey
July 9, 2024
As Allison's roommate throughout 4 years of college, Leisa treated me like a daughter. I will always remember her sending us monthly care packages, treats to get us through finals, and words of encouragement when we needed them. Leisa was known as "life of the party" by all of my family and friends from home who knew her from attending our summer and holiday parties. Her fun, loving, warm, and kindhearted presence will be missed. Much love to all the Karanjias.
John Considine
July 9, 2024
Leisa cared about the kids first and foremost! She made all her students feel special. You will be dearly missed. Our families prayers will go out to you and your family. God bless you!
Madi and Anup Sinha
July 9, 2024
Her first day at South Valley, our then 6 year old daughter was so nervous. Leisa was waiting outside the front doors of the school to welcome the children in, and she smiled that 1000-watt smile and called my daughter by her name. She had the most warm and reassuring presence. We will always be grateful for her. Our thoughts are with Homyar, Allison, Alex and all of Dr Leisa´s family.
Lisa Rosenthal
July 9, 2024
Our condolences to the family. She was a ray of sunshine at South Valley and a good parent coach for those of us who needed it along the way. Every child felt seen by her for little things like knowing every single name. She was a great human and we are lucky to have known her. May her memory be a blessing.
Sincerely, Lisa Rosenthal
Kayla Eberly
July 9, 2024
Dr. Karanjia was one of my favorite professors I had at RCBC. Her love of teaching was so infectious and each day in class we were always doing some kind of fun activity just like our future classrooms would look. She taught us to live life to the fullest and to look at everything as a learning experience. She will be greatly missed and remembered by many.
Sandra Richards
July 9, 2024
Our sincerest condolences to Homyar, Alison, and Alex. Leisa was a warm and wonderful woman as well as an excellent and effective educator. Find comfort in your family and friends at this very sad time as they will help you through. We will pray for you all.
Mike and Sandy Richards
Arlene Lewis
July 9, 2024
Leisa´s ability to remember every child´s name was incredible. She made every child feel heard and special. She will be missed and remembered by many.
Karolinne Green
July 9, 2024
She was an inspiration for so many at RCBC. We will remember her dearly. She loved to start class with a song and always made you feel welcomed and heard in her classroom. She inspired me to be an educator who values kindness and love above all. Dr. Karanjia, you will be missed by many.
Jordan Evans
July 9, 2024
Jordan Evans
July 9, 2024
Jordan Evans
July 9, 2024
One evening last fall, Dr. Leisa sat with me long after class to chat about a few minor difficulties I was having in class. This conversation slowly transformed into sharing stories and cacophonous laughter about how she came to be a teacher and the life that followed, her kids, our experience with Washington D.C., and everything under the sun. It was clear that she was not an ordinary teacher. It was obvious- Dr. Leisa was totally bought in to changing people´s lives for the better. To have been one of her pupils was an honor and a privilege. Dr. Karanjia will always be remembered as a woman full of life, love, a passion for helping others, loving the Phillies, and most of all, her family. Her life has touched so many and she will live on through the hundreds of teachers she has helped shape over the years and her example is one we will struggle to uphold.
God bless, and thank you for sharing Dr. Leisa with all of us.
With gratitude, respect, and compassion,
Jordan Evans
Michaela Lynn Yacker
July 9, 2024
She was my professor in my Bachelor´s Inclusive Education program. I knew right away I would bond with her because of her personality and passion. She was a wonderful teacher and I am heartbroken at her sudden passing. May god welcome you with open arms and reward you for all the good you´ve done Dr. Karanjia. We will miss you dearly.
Emma Carlin
July 9, 2024
She was an incredible professor. We connected over Taylor swift and even got to see her in concert together! I will always remember her and the nickname she gave me "Mastermind" after one of our favorite songs. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Ellie Mathews
July 9, 2024
I will always remember her bright smile and her ability to light up a room. She had such a passion for teaching that was inspiring to everyone around her. She touched the hearts of her students and will always be remembered. She will forever be in our hearts.
Caitlin Lemmon
July 9, 2024
Everyday in her class was another day of fun activities. We always looked forward to going to her class and seeing what kind of fun crazy activity she had come up with.
Carin and Jon Troy
July 9, 2024
We were so saddened to learn of Leisa's passing. She was a principal to our girls at South Valley and a friend. Our prayers are with Homyar, Allison and Alex during this difficult time.
Charlotte Robertson
July 9, 2024
Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Charlotte Robertson
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