Leslie Arlene (Simons) Hearn of Middle Road in Essex, New York, passed away on July 20, 2026, at the age of 68, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 8, 1957, in Abington, Pennsylvania, to Ralph and Belford (Greenleaf) Simons. She was the third of their four children.

Leslie graduated from Upper Moreland School District in Pennsylvania in 1975. While in school, she participated in many activities, including lacrosse, cheerleading, and marching band. She loved to spend time with her family and friends and was known to be very positive, joyful, and energetic. She had a wonderful sense of humor and always made everyone laugh, especially her sisters and nieces. After graduating from high school, she attended college and earned an associate's degree in Music and a bachelor's degree in English and Theatre. Later in life, she studied acting with renowned improvisational theatre teacher Gary Austin and pursued studies in speech-language pathology.

After college, Leslie worked many jobs, including as a tour guide in Los Angeles, California, and a performer in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Her passion for music, theatre, and dance led her to start auditioning for Broadway musicals. She was eventually cast as a dancer in La Cage Aux Folles, where she met her husband, George Hearn.

Leslie married George on April 21, 1985, and raised two children. They lived in Mahopac, New York, before moving to Essex, New York, in 2001. During their time in Essex, Leslie and George participated in many musicals directed by their dear friend, Derrick Hopkins, including Chicago, West Side Story, Cabaret, Steel Magnolias, Sylvia, The Wizard of Oz, South Pacific, Mame, Wit, Next Fall, and Mothers and Sons. She generously shared her experience and artistry on local stages, with local children, and formed lasting connections with fellow performers and members of the theatre community. She also participated as a member of the Essex Fire Department.

Leslie was a loving and caring mother and grandmother who her family will greatly miss. She is survived by her husband, George Hearn; her two sons, George Hearn III and Jesse Hearn; her step-son, David Hearn; her sisters, Janice Simons DiMarzio and Lisa Simons Kelly; her brothers-in-law, Jerry DiMarzio and Tom Kelly; and her grandson, Liam.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Belford Simons; her brother, Ralph Simons; and her nephew, Robert Simons.

From Broadway to the Adirondacks, Leslie's life was marked by music, dance, storytelling, family, and above all, love. She will be remembered by those who knew her not simply for the roles she performed, but for the life she lived beyond the stage and the people with whom she shared it. Her honesty, joy, and passionate love resonate deeply in those left behind. Leslie is loved by her family and friends, and will be greatly missed.

Arrangements were entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, PO Box 127, 3 College St., Au Sable Forks, NY 12912.