Dear Jaimie, love dad.
Dear Jaimie,
We haven’t talked since September 20, 2020. I wanted to tell you how much I love you and how proud I am of the woman you have become.
As I said on your wedding day, you were destined to become a teacher. Your love for children was apparent in everything you did - when you were a nanny for three kids under the age of five, student teaching second graders in inner-city Cleveland, or extending love to your nieces and nephews.
I always referred to you as a “Woman for Others” and it’s surreal that tag line became your legacy. You grew up in Pittsford, New York, attending Mercy High School, John Carrol University, and Nazareth College where you earned your Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and you were a Member of Oak Hill Country Club. Some would say you had a privileged upbringing. In spite of your upbringing, what I am most proud of is the choices you made in throughout your short life.
You had the opportunity to teach in any school district you wanted. But, this burning passion to make a difference in young children’s lives drove YOUR decision to teach second grade at Rochester Prep - an inner-city charter school. You loved the challenge, opportunity, diversity and how you could make a difference in young people’s lives. Your fellow teachers, staff, parents, and students loved your passion, infectious smile, zest for life, and warm hugs every day. If a student needed shoes or a coat or food, you went shopping that night and made sure that student received what he or she needed.
The Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman, was a “superhero” to young children in the northeast quadrant of Rochester. You also were described by many parents and students in this community as a “Black Panther” and superhero. That, in itself, describes what your legacy is all about.
The Facebook posts received in your honor by friends, colleagues, family and unknown individuals, mentioned your infectious smile, your engaging personality, your passion for others, and the bright light that emanated around you. You touched so many people in your short life of 30 years.
Your indomitable spirit, positive outlook and determined energy over the last three years fighting ovarian cancer taught us all how important it is to live life fully each day. You always put “your big girl pants on” and faced whatever adversity was put in front of you.
On August 31, 2019 you married your soulmate and best friend Zachary Scott Lesnick. What a rock star Zach is. He exemplifies everything you want in a best friend and husband. Zach will continue to spread the word about Jaimie Magee Lesnick and keep your legacy, and bright light, shining.
Love you,
Dad