Rita M. Leslie

Rita M. Leslie, age 81, passed away Tuesday, July 31, in Oak Ridge after a short illness.

She was an amazing mom, a doting granny, a faithful friend, and a force of her own nature. She was the love of her late husband Bob’s life.

Rita was born to John and Viola Glinski in Detroit, Mich., in 1931.

She was predeceased by her husband Bob Leslie, whom she met while taking flight instruction from him in Merritt Island, Fla. She was also predeceased by her brothers Albert and Paul Glinski.

Rita’s survivors include her sister Joan Myers; her children Mary (Stacey), Mike (Ellie), Lon (Susana), Jay (Yolonda); six grandchildren; children and grandchildren of Bob’s first marriage; and many dear friends.

Rita’s working life spanned the development of telecommunications in the late ’40s, through the space race of the 1960s, and concluded with her 1987 retirement from Oak Ridge Associated Universities in 1987.

She worked for Bell Telephone and was employed for eight years at Radiation Inc. in Melbourne, Fla., developing the first microchips. Rita began her career at ORAU as a dialcord-switchboard operator, and she retired as an executive administrative assistant.

Rita’s interests included gardening, birding, travel with her late husband Bob, reading, art films, local and international history, and music.

Donations in her name can be sent to Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920.

In keeping with Rita’s wishes, a private celebration of her life was held.

Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.