Calais,VT Leslie Ann Bingham Williams passed away on March 27, 2015, surrounded by her large and loving family. Born in Chicago in 1935, Leslie attended the Bronx High School of Science in Bronx, NY. She graduated in 1956 from Antioch College, where she edited the college newspaper, and later obtained an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. Leslie was an extraordinary mother, grandmother and aunt, a writer, social activist, and teacher. Her unfailing good humor, joy in life, kindness, wisdom and generosity of spirit inspired those who knew her. In her long and varied career, Leslie was an elementary school teacher, and worked as a teacher and then Executive Director of Headstart in Rutland and central Vermont. She taught writing at numerous area colleges over the years, including Vermont College, Community College of Vermont, Vermont Technical College and Springfield College. She served in the Peace Corps in Thailand from 1986-88. Leslie served as the Executive Director of the Vermont American Civil Liberties Union for 12 years. Under her leadership, the ACLU successfully advocated for several landmark supreme court decisions, including equitable education financing and the right to same sex union. Leslie gave the commencement address at the Adult Degree Program of Vermont College in 2000 – the theme, in a nutshell, was based on the following quote from Horace Mann: "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." She won plenty. Leslie leaves her four children and their partners: George Myers and Leslie Pinkham of Moretown, Sarah and Steve Gallagher, JC and Jen Myers, and Matthew Myers and Louise Low, all of Calais. She leaves 11 grandchildren, a niece and 2 nephews, and her first great-grandchild was born just six weeks before she passed away. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on May 9, 2015, at the Old West Church in Calais. Please carpool if possible as parking is always a challenge. The family invites Leslie's friends and colleagues to a reception at the Maple Corner Community Center following the service. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Vermont ACLU, 137 Elm St., Montpelier, VT 05602.