Leslie E. Robertson

Leslie Elizabeth (Nickel) Robertson, whose kind, loyal heart graced those lucky enough to be part of her life, passed away from complications of stage IV breast cancer on June 12, 2024, in her beloved town of Friendship, Maryland, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born to Carol and Tom Nickel on October 21, 1968, Leslie grew up in Northbrook, Illinois. She was drawn to wildlife and nature at a very young age, and her curiosity and passion for the outdoors was infectious. With joy and wonder for every season, her love of nature was always at the center of the activities she enjoyed most.

A 1986 graduate from Glenbrook North High School, Leslie was a strong student who enjoyed hiking, camping, skiing, biking, and spending time with friends. She dedicated much of her time to her passion for dance and ice skating, paring her talent with graceful beauty. Leslie’s love for the environment led her to the University of Vermont, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree through the School of Natural Resources. She was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta honor sorority and spent much of her time with friends, enjoying Vermont’s beauty and surrounding majestic mountains.

When Leslie met Gerry in 1992, they admired in each other a shared interest and passion for doing the right thing for the environment and others. They were married in May of 1994 in an outdoor ceremony, and their love grew to a family of four, a 30-year marriage, and a lifetime of memories. Collen, Gerry, and Jenna were the light of Leslie’s life, and she fiercely protected her family with unwavering love and compassion. Leslie’s love for nature was evident in everything she did, and her advocacy for the environment was central to her work. A gifted writer, she took pride in her work and committed herself to the organizations whose missions she believed in—including the National Wildlife Federation, Tri-State Bird Rescue, Delaware Guidance Services, and PAWS for People before spending eleven years as the Deputy Director of Development with BlueGreen Alliance.

On every step of Leslie’s journey, she gathered friendships along the way. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and daughter, and a gracious, loyal friend to those she held close helping all feel heard, enjoy life, and appreciate nature. Her friendships stand the test of time, which is a testament to the grace, kindness, and thoughtfulness she shared with others.

Predeceased by her father, Thomas Nickel, Leslie will forever live in the hearts of her devoted husband, Gerry Robertson; her beautiful children, Collen and Jenna Robertson; her mother, Carol (Haag) Nickel; Leslie’s sister, Laura (Nickel) Berger, her brother-in-law William Berger, and her niece and nephews Lauren, Henry, Jack and Charlie.

Leslie’s memory will be forever honored by all those she loved, and all those who loved her. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the beauty of the world she loved so dearly.

The family will receive friends at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Saturday, August 03, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00am where a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to help the family are invited to help support a GoFundMe set up for Jenna and Collen’s future.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jenna-and-collens-nest-egg?attribution_id=sl:39a6055a-94dc-4d09-a652-d03064c329e7&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_ft&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link