Ann Denise Leavens, of Leesburg, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025.

Born on October 23, 1947, in Ft. Pierce, Florida, Ann devoted her entire life to education, faith, family, and service with a heartfelt passion that inspired everyone around her.

A proud graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Elementary Education, Ann dedicated over 40 years nurturing young minds with unwavering love and patience. Her career spanned full-time teaching, substitute roles, and mentorship primarily within the St. Lucie, Palm Beach, and Osceola County School Districts and also included invaluable time with the Department of Defense's School system. She was especially fervent about early childhood education, pouring her heart into kindergarten and lower elementary grades. Ann's unwavering commitment earned her the Disney Teacheriffic Award and a Blue Ribbon School honor, milestones that reflected her deep dedication and the countless lives she touched.

Her compassionate spirit extended far beyond the classroom. Ann actively participated in numerous community and faith-based organizations, including the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, Aldersgate Walk to Emmaus, Kairos of Western NC, Daughters of the American Revolution (Joshua Stevens Chapter), Center Street Kitchen, and the Prayer Shawl Ministry. She gave generously as a volunteer at the Friends of the Leesburg Library Bookstore, and found profound joy in Bible study, crocheting prayer shawls, quilting, and reading – serving others wherever she was called.

Ann will be treasured forever for her kind and compassionate heart and her steadfast dedication to helping children succeed. Her legacy is one of love, kindness, and service that will continue to resonate through the lives she profoundly loved and influenced.

She is survived by her devoted husband of over 55 years, Alan; her sons, Geoffrey (Susan) and Steven (Kelley Sue); Paula Leavens; and her beloved grandchildren: Colin, Aidan, Brooke, Ava, and Avery.

Preceded in death by her parents, Dennie and Margaret Ewen, and her brother, Dennie Ewen II, Ann's spirit lives on in the enduring imprint of her love and unwavering commitment to others.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities:

Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach https://hickorynutgorgeoutreach.org/ Please Click on My donation is in Memory of Ann Leavens

Ann Leavens Memorial Elementary Education Scholarship https://www.foundationosceola.org/ Select Direct My Support, and enter Ann Leavens Memorial Scholarship

Friends of the Mountain Branch Library, Attention Patti Stewart, 150 Bill's Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746 or by phone at 828-287-6392 Please note or inform the staff the donation is made in Memory of Ann Leavens

Fairfield Mountains Chapel https://www.fairfieldmountainschapel.org/ Please choose Compassion Fund or Scholarship Fund.

First Presbyterian Church of Eustis https://www.fpceustis.com/ Please add in the note box: This gift for Center St. Kitchen is made in Remembrance of the wonderful Ann Leavens.

Autism Society of Greater Orlando https://asgo.org/ Please add in Memoriam of Ann Leavens

A celebration of life will be on October 23 (which is her birthday) at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, 117 S Center St Eustis, a birthday celebration with reception to follow in the same location. Please wear bright colors. We are asking those coming to the reception to rsvp to Kelley at kelleysuemc@yahoo.com by October 15.