It is with great sorrow that the family of Leslie “Les” Winzenried announces her death. Leslie Elizabeth Winzenried, 37, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away on January 29, 2024. Oprah Winfrey once said, “You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.” Leslie, or Les as her family called her, did just that and illuminated the world with her energy, spark, and sassy personality, from the moment she entered this world until the moment she left it.

Leslie was born on September 23, 1986, to Ruth Traylor and Raymon Sieler in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her path was traveled as most paths do, finding bends and twists, and occasional dead ends. Her childhood was filled with adventure, soccer, and the chaos of being the second youngest of six children. In 2004 after graduating from Lewis Palmer High School, she pursued her dreams in college where she had her sights on a successful future and continued her passion on the soccer field. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 2007, and a Master’s degree in K-6 Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix in 2011.

Unsure of her career path after graduating college with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Leslie became a substitute teacher with the encouragement of Robin, one of her older sisters. This experience inspired her to begin student teaching which ultimately pushed her into the ever-changing world of education. Starting as a teacher, she soon moved to the gifted and talented world of providing challenges for students of all ages. Knowing she wanted to make a difference in the lives of not only her students but also her colleagues, she moved into a Learning Services Coordinator position. She worked to attain her Administration License from Western University in 2017 and soon after became the Dean of Students for a growing charter school in Colorado Springs. Most recently, Leslie was the Assistant Principal at the Academy of Advanced Learning and then transitioned to the Science of Reading Curriculum Developer for Third Future Schools.   Leslie was passionate about educating young people and focused the last several years on building capacity in educators and writing curricula.

Her journey was not traveled alone. In addition to growing up in a large family, Leslie’s proudest role in life was that of mother.  Leslie was devoted to her children, Emma Winzenried (14) and Landon Winzenried (12), and considered them her greatest accomplishment. Some of their favorite pastimes were relaxing at the hot springs, snowboarding, and camping.  However, one of her favorite things to do was cheering for them on the sideline at their sporting events. Leslie always encouraged her children to try new things and supported their interests to allow them to experience life to the fullest.  Leslie was an avid outdoorswoman who loved hiking, spending time on the beach, traveling, and going to concerts with family and friends. She was always up for an adventure and had a way of bringing people together.

Leslie is survived by her children Emma and Landon and former husband and friend Ben Winzenried; mother Ruth Traylor, father Raymon Sieler and step-mother Tina Sieler; siblings Stacey (Taylor), Laura (Omar), Robin (Justin), Richard (Leah), and Deanna (Michael); in addition to cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.

“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things in life that death cannot touch” – Jack Thorne. Leslie impacted the lives of everyone she ever met and she will always be loved and missed by her family. Death cannot take Leslie from us as she will live on through her children, family, friends, and all those who met her along the way.

A gathering for remembrance will be held this Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Tony’s in Colorado Springs at 4 pm. 

To allow time for the family to grieve, memorial services will be held at a later date and will be announced in the coming weeks.