PORTLAND – Leslie G. Ross-Papkee, 71, of Portland, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough after a brave battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born Oct. 12, 1951 in Portland, the daughter of Harlan and Cynthia (Stevens) Ross.

For many years Leslie taught in the gifted and talented program for Portland Public Schools. She was a dedicated and passionate teacher who cared deeply about her students. Her patience and creativity made her a natural teacher, allowing each child to reach their greatest potential.

Leslie’s greatest passion was her garden. As she liked to say, she lived in her garden and only slept in the house. Leslie transformed her backyard on Mackworth Street into an expansive garden. Beginning with nothing she used her magic touch to create a thriving oasis. When you stepped into the backyard it felt as though you had been transported out of Portland and into a private garden in the middle of the country.

Leslie loved the outdoors, for many years she lived on Long Island with her family, and loved the ocean and the beach. She shared this love with her children and eventually her granddaughter. Leslie collected beach mementos and rocks, which are scattered all through her home. She spent time hiking and camping and explored countless trails taking in the beauty of nature.

Leslie was an avid reader, a lover of activism and all things concerning women’s rights. She loved spending time with her many friends who Leslie loved like family.

She was a loving mom to her sons, always patient and providing a listening ear and a warm cup of tea. As a teacher she was keen on proper grammar, and her lessons on this, both of her boys will carry with them forever. Leslie selflessly accepted any pets who may have been in need of “rescue” and she took in dogs as well as over a dozen cats who she cared for like children.

Leslie’s granddaughter, Iva Astrid, was the light of her later life, she spent any moment she could with her, patiently playing anything Iva could imagine. Together they went on beach walks, hunted for garden fairies, practiced magic and read books on every subject.

Leslie is survived by two sons, Ivan Papkee and wife Erin and Gustave Papkee; her mother, Cynthia Ross; a granddaughter, Iva Papkee; a brother, Steven Ross and wife Jeanne; a sister, Stacey Scott and husband Greg; nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Friday March 10 at Jones, Rich, and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11 at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com.