leslie Caroline Shreve departed this world’s stage on March 31, 2024, at the age of 79. leslie (she prefers lower case) left this message for those in her life’s circle:

“I've had a terrific life, and I thank each of you who have been a part of it. I'm so glad that I had the courage to stay in New York after that first lonely year. I'm grateful to have been cast by Teleprompter Cable TV in the show that turned into the acclaimed “Leslie the Shreve” with stories for Many Lands. I designed the set, drew the graphics, wrote and sang the songs, and met my wonderful future husband - award-winning Television Director Joel Willis”

After completing her Bachelors in Fine Arts/Drama at Ithaca College, leslie successfully and happily pursued her dreams in New York City. She enjoyed a fulfilling professional career as an actor, announcer, voice-over artist, make-up artist (Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Make-Up Design for “All My Children”), and advocate for those who share her craft. leslie reflected:

“I've had many touching reviews from my theater work but two reviews which reflect my life are 'you are such a passionate person always looking for ways to do things for others' (this is my intent in this life) and 'thank you for adding magic to my childhood.'"

leslie served on National Boards of SAG and AFTRA (later SAG-AFTRA) where she was long time chair of the Women’s Committee. She served on EAG Council -The Episcopal Actors Guild – (a charitable help organization for performers of all faiths and none and was quietly chair of their Grants Committee); the Council for The Lambs; St. Lukes/Roosevelt Hospital’s Crime Victims Treatment Center (Steering Committee); and IATSE 798 (Television Trustee).

She was also a member of the Blue Hill Troupe, the Dutch Treat Club, The Village Light Opera Group (Lifetime Honoree), the Original NYC Bad Girls, The Rehearsal Club, the League of Professional Theatre Women, and The Players.

As Past President and Special Advisor, she was most proud of the growth of the Women in the Arts & Media Coalition, which she championed since its inception.

Recalling her personal life with her beloved Joel, leslie said:

“Together Joel and I built a solar house in the rocky soil of the Saugatuck River on Glacial Moraine in the Weston Connecticut Woods. We were flower children. We didn't want to tear down trees so we built vertically among them. From the parking lot we built a 102 ft bridge which went into the second floor of our home. Our pool had a black lining. We changed plans for a balcony, hammered shut our “door to nowhere” and had many fun parties and intimate times there. Joel and I loved sailing in the Caribbean where we learned to scuba dive. That was a true joy, and continues to inspire my dreams! Joel’s decent into Parkinson’s took 15 mysterious years and I loved and missed all aspects of him.”

This is leslie’s closing message:

“So, to you friends... I wish each of you to notice the magic in your life...I send you love”

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the “Women in The Arts & Media Coalition” – that was her last request and would be greatly appreciated (donor list below).

PayPal to: info@womenartsmediacoalition.org
Zelle to: presidents@womenartsmediacoalition.org
or
by Mail to
22 E. 30th St
NY, NY 10016

THANK YOU to the following people who have made generous donations to the Coalition in leslie's honor:

Cicily Backus
Jody Baer
Pam Benning
Linda Bergman
Thomas Bradshaw
Mary Bresette
Lydia Canizares
Katharine Chambers
Meredith Clark
Sandy Eckstein
Janine Eggers
Jean Fitzpatrick 
Kate Flanagan
Cindy Gardner
Kaye Garner
Lois Grossman
Nancy Hayward
Lucy Keyes
The Lambs, Inc.
Bernice Levine
Joseph N. Levine
Beth Lincks (Arlene Hutton)
Manhattan MWC players
Moggy Mann
Eli Miocene
Susan Morelli
Bette Neuman
Karen Pagonis
Kalpana Prabhu
Sarah Ann Rodgers
Mary Ann Ross
Fortuna Calvo Roth
Jill Sansone
Fran Seigel
Anne Silverman 
Karin Sobeck 
Jeffrey R. Spurgeon
Margaret Strom
Dr. Sue
William M. Trey
Marsha Weaver

Anyone who would like to send thoughts and memories, we will post below.

Please email to info@womenartsmediacoalition.org

“She was stronger, braver, smarter, and both more talented and persistent than almost anyone else I know, and still with all her vigilance for issues of women, diversity, and representation in our industries, she was always beaming with joy and welcoming to all. I loved her—planning with her, collaborating with her, celebrating with her. She will be a part of my heart forever.”
- Shellen Lubin, Co-President

“With a big smile and a hug, leslie always had the warmest welcomes. Knowing how much good she did, and continues to do even after she’s gone, she will never be forgotten. She was a true light in this world.”
- Zija Brubaker Lubin-West, Member