Leslie Ann Kent, 60, of Oakton Virginia, passed away unexpectedly due to complications from gallstone pancreatitis on the morning of Thursday, June 2, 2011. She is survived by her husband of 36 years John D'Elia and daughter Mary Claire, and is pre-deceased by her father Francis G. Kent and her mother Kathryn A. McKitrick. A memorial service is scheduled at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032 on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 10:00 AM. Following the service, there will be a reception at the home of Leslie and John's best friends, Don and Ann Greenwood. 

Leslie was an inspiration to her friends and family. She enjoyed travelling the world with John, especially the time they spent on canal boats in the English channels. Leslie took great pleasure in cooking and challenging herself by trying new recipes. Her love of cooking brought on additional hobbies; she began gardening fresh herbs to be used in her dishes, and became an avid wine enthusiast, always knowing the perfect wine pairing to complement any entrée. Leslie loved reading, organizing, and shopping for a new pair of shoes, passions she shared with her daughter. To her friends, Leslie was always a good listener and had an easy way with words, always knowing just the right story to tell for every situation. 

Leslie graduated from Annandale High School, earned a B.A. in English and teaching endorsement from Ohio Wesleyan University, and received an M.A. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Northern Colorado. Leslie began her teaching career at New Kent High School, where she also met John. After leaving central Virginia, Leslie spent 30 years as an English teacher, director of instruction, and principal within the Fairfax County Public School system. 

Twice nominated as Principal of the Year, she was known for building strong relationships with families. After retiring as long-time principal of Frost Middle School, Leslie's drive to help students still lingered. Soon after advising her only daughter through the college selection process, she earned a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA Extension and began an independent business, Leslie Kent Consulting. To support her growing practice, Leslie joined the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) and achieved professional membership status in 2005; she was also faculty in residence for IECA's Summer Training Institute and most recently was an advisory board member for University of California-Irvine's Independent Educational Consultant Certificate Program. 

To her IECA colleagues, Leslie was a smart, thoughtful, and savvy leader. Leslie successfully balanced the professional work she did with students and families with volunteer work, both in the Fairfax community as well as in the field of educational consulting. Most importantly, as an Independent Education Consultant, Leslie was able to combine her passion to help students with her love of travel. She continued travelling the country, often times with her husband, visiting over 300 college campuses as well as taking in the local attractions and wineries. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations are made to the Leslie Kent Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to a college-bound student within the Fairfax County Public School system. We hope that this scholarship helps a deserving student reach their potential in college, much like the vast number of students Leslie counseled throughout her career. Donation checks, with Leslie's name in the memo section, can be sent to: College Access Fairfax 8115 Gatehouse Road Suite 1512 Falls Church, VA 22042.