Leslie Ann Fields was inducted into the 35th group of New Cumberland residents honored for their service to their community. Leslie’s unwavering commitment to her hometown and her long history of participating in projects to benefit the community were cited as the reason for her inclusion into the most recent class.
Born and raised in Chester, she is the daughter of the late Pete and Carol Smith. She grew up alongside her three siblings: Lori Plummer, Debbie Davis and Barry Smith. Leslie and her husband, Ed, are the parents of two daughters, the late Sara Fields (husband, Mike Carey) and Allyson Carr (husband, Brian). They are also the loving grandparents of Gabriella Carr, Addyson Carr and Emmersyn Carey.
After living in the Charleston area for six years, Ed and Leslie returned to New Cumberland in 1978, where Leslie dedicated her early married life to raising her daughters.
During those years, Leslie was deeply involved in community and educational volunteerism. She volunteered as an assistant teacher under Laura Greathouse, with the Young Women’s Club Story Hour at the Swaney Memorial Library and founded Ridgefield Academy Preschool in 1983, which she operated for four years. She devoted much of her time to the New Cumberland PTA serving as a homeroom representative and parent chaperone for New Cumberland Jr. High Activities and dances for six years. As an Oak Glen Band Booster, Leslie could be found in the concession stand working home football games.
Leslie later earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from West Liberty University. She began her teaching career at Cove Elementary School and went on to teach for the majority of her career at South Side Elementary School in Beaver County. PA. Her leadership roles included service as Principle at Chartiers Valley School District and Student Services Director for Chartiers Valley School District.
Community has always been at the forefront of Leslie’s life. Her volunteer services include the following:
**Member of the Swaney Memorial Library Board of Directors for four years in the 1980’s and currently serves as a Board member;
**Served on the Finance Committee under New Cumberland Mayor, the late Jack Harris;
**Member of the New Cumberland Fourth of July Committee in the 1980’s;
**Member of the New Cumberland Garden Club;
**Member of the Hancock County Health Board;
**Member of the Oak Glen Alumni Club;
**Volunteer recorder for Oak Glen’s home track meets;
**Co-decorator with Denise Wells for the former Graham Building windows;
**Treasurer and member of the New Cumberland Food Closet and United Social Services Union.
In her free time, Leslie enjoys spending time with her family, reading, sewing and traveling. She has always believed that a strong community is built by people who care for it and she continues to dedicate herself to helping her community be the very best it can be.
