Leslie Lerner Koenig's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Leslie Lerner Koenig March 4, 1962 – January 24, 2026
Leslie Lerner Koenig, 63, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, at Englewood, Fla., after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born March 4, 1962, at Syracuse, N.Y, Leslie lived a life defined by love, intelligence, curiosity and quiet strength. She faced her illness with grace and determination, supported by her family and friends who never left her side.
Leslie was the beloved wife of Michael Koenig, to whom she was married for 34 years, and she was a devoted mother to her three sons, Jake (Meredith) of Malvern, Pa.; Jared of Englewood, Fla.; and Colby (Katie) of Charlottesville, Va. Her sons combined to be the great pride and joy of her life. She also is survived by her siblings, Linda Lerner Firnstahl (Michael) of Smithfield, Va., and Sparky Lerner (Andrea) of Suffolk, Va., with whom she shared a lifetime of memories, laughter and love, as well her first grandchild, Liliana Koenig, born in 2025 on Leslie’s birthday. Liliana brought Leslie unbridled joy and is known as the little girl who broke the “Koenig Curse” of three generations of boys. She also is survived by numerous extended family members, as well as countless friends and former colleagues.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Martin Lerner and Gerline Lerner, whom she held close in her heart throughout her life.
Leslie was deeply committed to learning and personal growth. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia, studying marketing and information systems, and later she completed her MBA in marketing at the University of Texas at Austin. Her education laid the foundation for a successful and respected professional career, in which she was known for her intelligence, insight and integrity.
Outside of work, Leslie found joy in life’s quieter moments. She loved reading, riding her bike and taking walks and hikes with her family, friends and her beloved dog. Animals held a special place in her heart, and she volunteered her time with dog-rescue organizations, always eager to help those who could not speak for themselves.
Above all else, Leslie will be remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness and unwavering love for her family. She had a gentle way of making people feel seen and cared for, and her presence brought comfort and warmth to those around her. Her legacy lives on through her children, her family and the many lives she touched along the way.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., February 10, 2026, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 101 Oakcrest Manor Drive, Leesburg, Va, 20176. A small reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leslie’s memory and as a salute to her lifelong compassion for animals, to HART Homeless Animals Rescue Team, P.O. Box 7261, Fairfax Station, Va., 22039.
Leslie will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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