Lesley Katz

Lesley Jayne Katz, a cherished identical twin of Mindy Jayne Katz (Nikki Duda), devoted mother to Crew Samuel Edelstein, beloved wife of Matthew Edelstein, and caring daughter of James and Marcy Katz, passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 5, 2025, following an acute illness and a long, courageous journey through life’s challenges. She was 44 years old.

Lesley’s presence was a light to all who knew her—gentle, genuine, and full of quiet strength. Her sweetness, warmth, and deep compassion left a lasting impact on everyone she touched. She lived a life rooted in kindness, love, and the Jewish value of chesed—loving kindness.

Born and raised in Abington, Pennsylvania, Lesley graduated from Abington Senior High School before earning her B.A. in English from Muhlenberg College with a minor in Art and a teaching degree in Elementary Education. Lesley then earned a Master’s degree in Education Leadership from Arcadia University. She began her career in the Cheltenham School District, where she dedicated herself to nurturing and inspiring young minds. Teaching was not just her profession—it was her calling. Lesley found joy in connecting with students others had struggled to reach, often returning home with stories of small victories that spoke volumes about her dedication and heart.

In recent years, Lesley found a home in the School District of Philadelphia, where she continued to pour her love and energy into her work. She found joy and meaning in her school community and took pride in the bonds she built with her students. One of her most treasured memories from the past year was a pair of white sneakers she wore all summer—decorated lovingly by her students with colorful marker drawings. She wore them not just as a keepsake, but as a celebration of the joy and connection she found in teaching.

Lesley was also a truly exceptional friend; she had a gift for making people feel seen, safe, and cherished. To be Lesley’s friend was to feel endlessly supported and unconditionally loved.

Lesley’s greatest joy, however, came in February three years ago with the birth of her son, Crew Samuel Edelstein. He was the love of her life, and she embraced motherhood with the same devotion, tenderness, and playful spirit that marked every part of her life. After years of nurturing the children of others, Lesley was overjoyed to have a child of her own, eager to fill his days with love, laughter, and learning.

More than anything, Lesley’s soul was deeply entwined with that of her identical twin sister, Mindy Jayne Katz. Their bond was extraordinary—two hearts beating in constant harmony, best friends from the beginning. To describe them as close would fall short; they were one another’s reflection and refuge. As author Zora Neale Hurston wrote, “[S]he could never be dead until I myself had finished feeling and thinking”—a truth that speaks to the enduring love between them.

Relatives and friends are invited to services Tuesday April 8, 1:00pm at Joseph Levine & Sons 1002 Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Interment will be private. The family will return to the residence of Mr. & Mrs. James Katz following services on Tuesday and again Wednesday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lesley's memory may be made to Holton's Heroes - A Pediatric Brain Injury Resource (holtonsheroes.org).

May Lesley’s memory forever be a blessing, and may her light continue to shine in the lives she touched.

Arrangements by Joseph Levine & Sons - Blue Bell, PA - www.levinefuneral.com