Leesa Ann Ferris passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, surrounded by her family.
She was born in 1949, the eldest of three daughters, to parents Lester and Ruth Erdige. She grew up on her family's dairy farm in Oneida.
After receiving degrees from D’Youville College in Buffalo and Kent State University in Ohio, Leesa taught in Ohio before moving to Homer in 1987, where she taught in the Homer Central School District.
Leesa was a tireless advocate for education and literacy. She taught at SUNY Cortland, helping train new teachers to be effective in a changing world. She was a volunteer tutor for adults with reading difficulties.
Leesa was a member of the Seenightly, Ladies Literary Club, and the CARTA Book Club, where she enjoyed the company of good friends. Among her favorite activities were gardening, playing cards, reading, volunteering, and participating in classes at the YWCA.
She loved spending time with her friends; her sister, Susan (Ray) Holz; her children, Amy (Steven) Denkenberger, Megan (John) Kruger, and Courtney (Justin) Slater; and her grandchildren, Natasha, Zoë, Isadora, Amelia, Aiden, and Eleanor.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 U.S. Route 11, Homer. A time of sharing will begin at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the YWCA Cortland, 14 Clayton Ave., Cortland, NY 13045, Hospicare & Palliative Care Services, 11 Kennedy Parkway, Cortland, NY 13045, or to the charity of your choice.
Memorial condolences for the family may be left at www.DonaldLBarberFuneralHome.com.
