Leslie Jae Dennis

Today our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of our beloved Leslie Jae Dennis. Her bright light and big heart left us too soon, but we will remember her warmth, love, and generosity.

Jae, as the world knew her, was born in Dearborn, Michigan, but moved with her family to Dunedin, Florida, where she graduated from high school and spent her young adult years. She began her professional life in the commercial printing arts, including work at USA Today. Later, she earned an AA degree with honors at St. Petersburg College in Clearwater, Florida. She then graduated, Magna cum Laude, from the University of Tampa before moving to Albuquerque to complete a Master's degree in Literature from the University of New Mexico. After graduation, she worked as a college professor in Florida for several years, returning to live in her "Hometown" of Dunedin. Eventually Jae moved back to New Mexico to teach full-time at Luna Community College in Las Vegas, NM. In 2016, she attended New Mexico Highlands University where she earned a second Master's degree in Social Work and launched a new career as a therapist and an advocate/activist for those who suffer from Substance Dependence Use Disorder.

Wherever Jae went - in her personal, professional, and academic life - she was loved. Everything she did, she did BIG, including the love she gave back. She had a gift to teach and a gift to help others. She was smart, she was funny, she was loud. She was sunshine; she was a storm. She fought hard, so hard - for others and for herself. We will remember her most by the quote she absolutely lived by: "If it is worth doing, then it is worth Overdoing!"

Jae was preceded in death by both parents, John Dennis and Regina Dennis. She is survived by her sisters Regina Downing, Leah Dennis, and Paula Richard; her niece Adiya Hauge; her nephew Jerrod Walther; and her great-nephew Hansyn Hauge.

No funeral will be held at this time. If you would like to donate, please contribute to the Watermelon Ranch, a pet advocacy and rescue organization, located at 3251 Westphalia Blvd. NE. Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87144. https://www.wmranch.org/