Leann Buchman Blue

November 11th, 2025

Michael,

I am so saddened to hear about Leeann passing away. She was always such a kind and caring person.

Toby (Warnick) Davis

~Toby (Warnick) Davis
~Former USYer and USY coworker, Chicago, IL

November 10th, 2025

I’m so, so sorry to hear about Leeann’s passing. She was a supportive mentor to me in our work in the Jewish education community, through NACCHHS and JTEEN. May her memory be for a blessing. 💚

~Sarah Harlan
~Colleague, Louisville, KY

November 10th, 2025

We were so deeply saddened to learn of Leaann’s sudden passing. As was beautifully shared at the service, her leadership within the Jewish community was instilled long ago in the “shtetl” of Mobile, Alabama, a legacy that was evident to her cousin Barry even in their youth, through many USY gatherings, youth groups, and Jewish summer camps. It was a joy to watch Leaann’s many achievements professionally and in marriage and family, and to kvell as our children shared the Camp Ramah Darom experience.

Leaann’s warmth, dedication, and spirit touched so many lives. She will be missed profoundly, and we will think of her often. We extend our deepest condolences to her family. May Leeann’s memory be for a blessing.

~Barry and Lori Ripps
~extended family/cousin, Penascola

November 10th, 2025

Dear Michael and Family,
We are so heartbroken to hear of Leanne’s passing.
Amy and I share our love and support for you and wish all warm hugs and kindness in her memory,
Nick & Amy

~Nick Patera
~work colleauge, New Albany, In.

November 10th, 2025

I am so very sad at this news. Leann was an incredible colleague and good friend. We created so many innovative programs together at Beth Shalom over the years, and we shared both joy and pain, happiness and grief during our years at CBS. As Youth Director, she was a rock of support and encouragement to our daughter and a nurturing force for all the children she worked with. She will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with Mike, Adam, Marc and Paul.

~Hazzan Barbara Barnett
~colleague and friend, Pittsburgh, PA

November 10th, 2025

I just heard the news and I am so sorry. Leann was a friend and camper parent. Sending y’all comfort and hugs from Jerusalem.

המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים.

~Rabbi Loren Sykes
~Friend, Jerusalem, Israel

November 9th, 2025

What a treasure LeAnne was! Always a friend to everyone. Such a beautiful soul.. I will miss her visits to Mobile and our phone calls. She was such a ray of sunshine. My thoughts are with Michael,, Adam, Mark, Paul and Neal.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Jeannie Knotts-Olensky

~Jeannie Knotts – Olensky
~Friend, Mobile, Alabama

November 8th, 2025

Dear Michael, Adam, Marc and Paul,
We are so very sad to hear about Leann’s passing. Our hearts break for all of you and all of Leann’s family. More words to come later but wanted to send our love . May Leann’s memory be a blessing to you. Love you, Ruth, Nancy, Marc , Sharon, Jeff, Steve and Barbara.

~Nancy Daneshgar
~Cousins, Weston, VT

November 8th, 2025

I’m so very sorry to hear about Leann. We met when she was my USY Director at Beth El and then a few years later I worked as her advisor when she was the director at Beth Shalom. We spent so much time laughing and sharing good times together. I’ll always be grateful for the years I got to know Leann and the wonderful memories.

My heartfelt condolences to Mike, Adam, Mark, and Paul. May her memory be a blessing .

~Allison Kamen
~Friend, Evanston, IL

November 8th, 2025

My deepest condolences, Michael, Adam,Marc and Paul , Leann . You were a very special person to me, you will always be in my heart. Thank you for everything you did for me. Rest in peace.

~Wendy Rodriguez
~Friend, Chicago

November 7th, 2025

My deepest condolences to Michael, Adam, Mark and Paul on Leann’s passing.

She made such a lasting impact on education and youth here in the Chicago suburbs.

I met her at USY Convention where we were both on the Shmirah staff. I was amazed by her dedication to the safety and care for the USYers. She also did amazing things at NSS Beth El with youth and CBS with the ground-breaking Adult Education Programs and classes.

May her memory be for a blessing.

~Chuck Kahalnik
~Friend, Highland Park

November 7th, 2025

I was so saddened to hear of Leann’s passing. When we lived near one another, we would shop together. Byerly’s!! Super Bowl at the Blue’s and I worked for Leann at CBS for the youth group. She accepted the honor of day of coordinator at my wedding. Many other wonderful memories as well. I will always cherish my time with her and keep her in my heart. My deepest condolences to Mike, Adam, Mark, and Paul.

~Mindi Silver
~Friend, Machesney Park, IL