Rev. Cheryl D. Leibowitz

Cheryl Dian Leibowitz (nee Kazee) of Bel Air, MD, died on February 14, 2011 at her home, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of Reda Virginia Hartzell Burk of Bel Air, MD, and the late Marshall Charles Burk. She battled cancer with great courage for almost 12 years. Mrs. Leibowitz graduated from Bel Air High School and the Registered Nurse Diploma Program at Sinai Hospital School of Nursing. She attended both the University of Baltimore and St. Joseph's College, majoring in Psychology and Health Care Administration. She graduated from the Living Word Bible College in Baltimore and was ordained by them in 1987. Up to the time of her death, she was pursuing a diploma certificate program from the Light Learning University in the Professional Life Hope Coaching Training Program. Mrs. Leibowitz was active in her church, the Upper Crossroads Baptist Church in Baldwin, where she served as a member of the Biblical Small Groups Ministry, and as a Bible student at the Cross Roads Bible Institute. She had a passion to serve the Lord, and was known as a prayer "warrior" who read Scripture daily. After 23 years in gerontological nursing and administration, she felt the call to the field of Hospice nursing. She spent six years in the South in Hospice nursing and then joined the Hospice of Baltimore, affiliated with the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), a job which she loved. In November 2009, Mrs. Leibowitz was selected as a GBMC Sunflower Award winner based on her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others. In the winter of 2010, she was a participant in the Center for Spiritual Support Training Class at GBMC. She enlivened the group with her professional background, her curiosity for learning, her enthusiasm, her integrity, and most of all, her faith. That class has now been named for her. In the summer of 2010 her cancer returned and she was placed under hospice care at the Gilchrist Hospice center where she had been working. Mrs. Leibowitz was published in the March/April issue of the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care. She was a member of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors. Mrs. Leibowitz had many interests and hobbies. She owned, bred, trained, and showed Tennessee Walking horses. She also bred, trained, and showed Standard Poodles, one of which was number one champion in Brazil. She was an avid reader, mostly Christian, American history and biographies. She always had her Bible at hand and studied faithfully. She was surrounded by books. She did all kind of needlework. She enjoyed traveling, especially cruises and the North Carolina beaches. In addition to her mother, Mrs. Leibowitz is survived by her son, Richard L. Trader Jr. of New York, NY; daughter, Kelly S. Trader of Stoney Creek, MD; and grandchildren, Jackson L. and Wesley A. Trader of New York, NY. She also leaves behind loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as many caring, devoted friends. She was a loving daughter, mother and grandmother. Pallbearers will be Steven Hartzell, Steven Weber, Alton Vann, Maher Nakhla, Victor Butanis, and Richard Fletcher. Those who desire may make a donation to Gilchrist Center for Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or Upper Cross Roads Baptist Church, 2717 Greene Road, Baldwin, MD 21013.