Obituary of Leslie Stead Croson

Leslie Rae Stead Croson passed away on November 13, 2022, her sons and husband by her side holding her hand.  Leslie was born on June 9, 1955 to D. Roemer Stead (Ray) and Joan Roe Stead, the oldest of five children.  Her generous warmth drew people to her and the most important thing to Leslie was her family and friends.  She was devoted to the people she cared about, never letting time and distance separate her from friends. 

On May 4, 1974, Leslie married William Franklin Croson (Frank) and started their own family.  They raised two sons, Matthew Franklin and Michael Ryan, in Herndon, Virginia.  Leslie was a dedicated mother and made sure her boys had everything to be healthy, happy, and successful.  She was involved in school activities and had an open-door policy for all her sons’ friends, creating a welcoming and active household.  Even once her sons moved into their own homes to raise their families, Leslie made space in her home for grandchildren.  Her five grandchildren were the light of her life and Leslie loved her role as grandmother, hosting tea parties and sleepovers; attending every game, recital, and school event as their biggest cheerleader. 

Leslie was a devoted mother, devout Catholic, and ardent patriot.  She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Douglas.  Leslie is survived by her sisters, Terri and Laura, and her brother, Clay.  She is survived by her husband Frank and their children and grandchildren - Matthew and Kathryn Croson, their daughters Cora and Annabel, and Michael and Elizabeth Croson, their children Addison, Molly, and Gabriel.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Veronica Catholic Church, 3460 Centreville Rd, Chantilly, VA, on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 10 am.

A celebration of life will be held at American Legion Post 177, 3939 Oak St, Fairfax, VA on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 1pm.  Please send any flowers to the American Legion.

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorial donations consider the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/