Obituary: Mary Wool Leader

Mary Wool Leader, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dedicated therapist and nurse, passed away on Nov. 18, 2025, peacefully and surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on May 5, 1936, in The Bronx, N.Y., to Barbara (Cohen) and Ruben Wool.

Mary attended the Bellevue School of Nursing in New York City, where Edward Leader, a medical student at NYU who predeceased her in 2024, fell in love with her and married her soon after. They built a life marked by devotion, adventure, and service. When Edward was drafted into the United States Army, Mary embraced their move to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where they lived from 1966 to 1968. She met each stage of life with resilience, determination, and commitment to her family. She completed an R.N. at Bellevue, a B.S. at Oglethorpe University, and both a master’s and Ph.D. at Georgia State University.

Mary will be remembered for her 67-year marriage to Edward Leader, her deep faith in G-d, her observance of Jewish traditions and her wise guidance, and the many ways she expressed care through her hands — knitting beautiful sweaters, sewing matching outfits and baby blankets, and repairing appliances and cars. Her nursing skills and her calm, commanding presence during moments of crisis made her a source of strength and reassurance to all who depended on her.

Mary is survived by her siblings, Carl Golub; Martin Rosenberg; Jack and Laura Wool; and Steven and Pamela Wool, as well as her close friend, Marla Netzel. She is also survived by her children, David and Susan Leader, Barbara and Barry Nicolaou, Jane and Marc Ripps, and Ivy Leader and husband, Ben Newton. She was the cherished grandmother of Jessica and David Fortin; Andrew Leader and wife, Gillian Wallace; Allison Leader and husband, Nick Zylkuski; Julie and Todd Orlansky; Frances Newton and husband, Spenser Gould; Crow Newton; and Dorothy Ripps. She delighted in her great-grandchildren, Natalie, Teddy, Miles, Ilya, and Lincoln, each of whom brought her immense joy. Her beloved nieces and nephews include Robert and Arianne Golub, Adam Rosenberg, Karen and Eric Menzie, Midori Gail, Joel Wool and wife, Rabbi Laura Bellows, and Clara Rose. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the devoted caretakers who viewed Mary as a mother figure.

The family is asking for donations to be made to the Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett, https://www.chabadofgwinnett.org/templates/donate_cdo/aid/4970020/jewish/Donate.htm