Leanne Spletzer passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026 at the age of 87, leaving behind a devoted husband, a family who loved her deeply, and countless friends and colleagues whose lives sparkled brighter with her love of good food and good times together.
Leanne Spletzer
Born on August 28, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to Anne and Allen Carlson, Leanne grew close with her sister, Ardeth Devlin, and in high school met the love of her life, Raymond Spletzer. After their first hang-out at the bowling alley (thanks to Leanne’s co-editor of the newspaper introducing them), Ray came over to Leanne’s house for an official first date. It was at that time that Ray met Leanne’s dad, sledgehammer in hand! Allen may have been joking – and he was working on the fireplace at the time – though we all know Leanne’s dad and then Ray loved to protect her. Even the nurses commented on Ray’s protection and nicknamed him Husband of the Year! Ray did not leave Leanne’s side these last six months she was in the hospital and rehabilitation facility after a back surgery in January.
Leanne’s mom Anne loved to tell the story of a teacher asking for a volunteer to wash and iron the curtains on the 1st grade classroom windows. Leanne, of course, raised her hand and said, “my mom will!” From that time forward, Leanne has raised her hand at countless opportunities – volunteer leadership positions at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Ridgefield, Connecticut and Epiphany Lutheran in Richmond, Virginia, and their choirs, bell choirs, church councils and even served as a “Sunday School Superintendent.” Always willing to contribute, Leanne also served as President of Connecticut Swimming, followed by an elected term as Vice President of the Board of Directors for USA Swimming where she served for 12 years. Even in her retirement years, she continued to raise her hand and was named Volunteer of the Year for their beloved retirement community, Westminster Shores in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Leanne also found time to develop a successful career as a real estate broker in New Canaan, Connecticut. Her daughters loved visiting her in her office at Mabel Lamb Real Estate and then Coldwell Banker and often joked about the Christmas deliveries they were tasked with completing each holiday season. She also served as President of the Connecticut Board of Realtors. Most of all, though, Leanne was known for her dinner and holiday parties. She loved to cook, loved having people over, and always made sure the house was comfortable, music on, and always a drink in your hand. A pride was the 1790 colonial home in New Canaan that she and Ray lovingly restored for its Revolutionary New England charm. She adored that home – as did each of her four children she and Ray raised there.
Leanne’s true pride was her children and she lived by the motto (and loved to repeat the sentiment) that, “hanging out with my grown up kids is one of the best parts of my life.” In addition to her husband, Ray, and sister Ardeth Devlin (Bob), Leanne is lovingly remembered by her sons, Scott Spletzer and Brian Spletzer (Katharine) and her daughters, Ann Lisa Braun (Matt) and Karla Scornavacco (Brad), and her cherished grandchildren, Janis and Peter James, Erik and Kurt Spletzer, Ellie, Guthrie and Ainsley Braun, and Siena and Petra Scornavacco, and by the many family members, friends, and colleagues who will forever remember her generosity, care, and vibrant spirit.
Leanne is at peace now, cooking up a storm for all of the angels with her. She is predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Carolyn Spletzer; grandson, Maxwell Raymond Braun, and great-grandchild, Gavin O’Dwyer.
A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg on August 29th.