Leslie Jane Spiegel

1966 - 2025

Leslie Jane Spiegel

October 9, 1966 - October 27, 2025

Leslie Jane Spiegel (Phillips), 59, of Charlottesville, Va., died peacefully at home on October 27th, surrounded by loving family and friends. Born October 9, 1966, in San Antonio, Texas, to Katharine Kilmer Spiegel and Jonas Barry Spiegel, Leslie was the beloved little sister to Janis. From an early age, Leslie possessed no lack of sass, independence, determination, and charm; qualities that served her well throughout her life in both her personal and professional relationships.

It's hard to capture all the joy, light, and love that came from this kind soul - with her enviable curls and beautiful green eyes. Leslie was funny, creative, playful, intelligent, and generous. She maintained lifelong friendships, valuing and nurturing those relationships deeply. Leslie could talk to anyone and her curiosity and interest made you feel like an instant friend. She valued family above all else and was present, involved, and eager to gather. She once said that having family close by was like winning the lottery. The many beach vacations, family ski trips, rounds of golf, Sunday dinners, and countless holidays together are treasured memories for her family.

Leslie was a natural athlete. She excelled in tennis, playing with her father as a teen and in many USTA events later. Learning to ski at an early age, she had no fear tackling the bumps and steep slopes of Colorado ski resorts. Strong, fast, and graceful, she especially loved a blue-sky powder day in the back bowls of Vail. She was also a skilled golfer and loved playing with family and friends. Her competitive spirit extended to cards, cornhole, and flag football on Sundays before cheering on her favorite NFL teams. She was the life of the party, sharing the best playlist as DJ, and was the ideal concert date.

She adored her role as aunt (Essie, Lest) to Zach and Harrison. She was the cool one…the best gifts, stories, ideas, and road trips. She maintained a close relationship with her nephews and, later, their wives, and was not only the best aunt but also a wonderful friend.

Leslie graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 1988, and earned her law degree from the University of Richmond in 1991. She practiced law for 16 years, including 14 at the law firm of Phillips, Morrison, Johnson and Ferrell in Lynchburg, where she focused on family law and mediation and served as Guardian ad Litem for countless children. In 2005, she was honored with the Mayor's Award of Excellence from the City of Lynchburg.

Leslie joined Meriwether Godsey in 2005, initially as Director of Business Development. In that role, she not only secured new business contracts but also forged many meaningful client relationships. Her leadership helped guide the company's growth and shape both its marketing and operational systems, improving efficiency and sophistication.

During her 20-year tenure, Leslie was a key leadership partner serving as President and COO in 2012 and later as CEO in 2017. She did an amazing job steering the company through the challenges of the COVID years and the subsequent decision to join Health Care Services Group (HCSG). Though her roles evolved, she remained a steadfast supporter of Meriwether Godsey's culture and stayed closely connected to her many client friends. She was a respected leader and competitor; engaging, funny, and deeply loyal.

The past year brought both deep sorrow and great joy. Leslie grieved the loss of her father in August 2024 and her mother in July 2025. Amid the loss, she celebrated the arrival of her grandnephew, Cameron, and the wedding of her nephew Harrison to Anna last September. Her greatest joy came on August 2, 2025, when she married her longtime love, Michelle Fino, in a joy-filled, hopeful, and loving ceremony in Newburyport, Mass.

Leslie faced her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with incredible strength and courage. She endured chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation with unshakable hope. This journey was not unfamiliar to her - she had survived both Hodgkin's disease as a teenager and breast cancer as a young woman. As she faced her own mortality, Leslie's compassion never wavered; she continued to bring comfort to those she loved.

Leslie's grace, humor, and resilience were remarkable. She brought warmth, laughter, and light to every room, and her strength inspired everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for her compassion, courage, and the joy she shared so freely with others.

Leslie is survived by her wife, Michelle Fino; her sister, Janis Scharf and brother in law, Steve Scharf; nephews Zach Scharf (Shelly), and Harrison Scharf (Anna); grandnephew, Cameron Scharf (of Zach and Shelly); sisters in law, Liz Almquist (Steve), and Kris Fino (Mike); nephew Stephen (Stephanie); nieces Kristina (Cam), Alex, Ava, Kali, and Nina; mother-in-law, Helen Goldberg; and father-in-law, Carmen Fino; cousins Jordan Samuel (Claudio Volante), Laurie Samuel (Deb), Burrell Kilmer (Marylee), Arthur Kilmer (Patti), Lou Kilmer (Danielle), and Hank Kilmer; her constant companion and guardian, Junie; and countless close friends who loved and adored her.

A celebration of life will occur November 9, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Level 10, 323 2nd St., Charlottesville, Va. Leslie loved all animals and supported the Lynchburg Humane Society. She also was a loyal supporter of the Awareness Garden enjoying many hours of reflection and remembrance there. Donations may be made in her memory to lynchburghumane.org or awarenessgarden.org.

Hill and Wood Funeral Service is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family on their webpage.

Hill & Wood Funeral Service

201 1st Street N Charlottesville, VA 22902