Community Mourns Death Of Beloved East Brunswick High School Teacher

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The East Brunswick School District is mourning the loss of high school teacher Leslie Anderson.

Anderson, a STEM teacher, died Tuesday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PA. She was 53.

The East Brunswick Education Association announced Anderson’s passing Wednesday. “Leslie, without a doubt, was one of the most spectacular teachers in our school district,” said Councilwoman Dana Zimbicki also President of the East Brunswick Educational Association.

“Leslie had a giant heart. Her daily goal was to make everyone around her feel better. She always put everyone else first. She was selfless. Leslie could have the weight of the world on her shoulders, but you would never know. She, with ease, had a way of lifting everyone around her.”

Anderson graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in Chemistry. She received a Master's degree in Chemistry and Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Anderson began her teaching career 20 years ago when she joined the East Brunswick School District as a Chemistry teacher.

She was the chief building representative for EBEA at the high school and grievance chair for the EBEA. She also held leadership roles within the Middlesex County Educational Association and the New Jersey Education Association.

"Leslie was dedicated to her students and did not hesitate to push them to explore their limits, both in academics and leadership," Superintendent Victor Valeski told Patch in a statement." Her passion for teaching was readily apparent. Leslie inspired countless students and they will be her legacy."

Anderson advised the yearbook for 15 years, Key Club, Science Teams, and, also the National Honor Society and Science Honor Society. Along

“For those that had the good fortune to personally know Leslie, she would want you to celebrate her life by laughing as you recall a fond memory of time you spent with her. She would also want to remind you all to celebrate the many little moments in life! Leslie was always a “glass half full” gal,” Zimbicki said.

Anderson is also credited to have started the very popular elective Forensic Science course in September 2000.

She was named a Teacher Who Makes Magic in 2000 and was honored with the EBPS Governor’s Recognition Teaching Award in 2013. Anderson leaves behind her husband Kevin, and her parents Rose and Bill.

Services will be held at the Brunswick Memorial Funeral, 454 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick. A viewing will be held Aug. 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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