Leslie A. Havens

It is with profound love and sorrow that we share the passing of Leslie Ann Havens (née Mehrten), who took her leave on May 29, 2025, after a long and courageous journey through illness. She was 63 years old. Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we find comfort in the countless memories of her laughter, her strength, and the boundless love she gave to all who were blessed to know her. Born on April 14, 1962, in Tucson, Arizona, Leslie was a force of nature from the very beginning — full of beauty, creativity, wisdom, and a vibrant spirit that touched every life she encountered. From a young age, Leslie carried herself with a presence that would soon captivate the world. At just 16, she won the Talent America Beauty Pageant, a moment that launched her into a highly successful national career in runway and print modeling. She began her professional journey under the Louise Boyka Modeling Agency in Schenectady, New York, and quickly rose to prominence, working with the prestigious John Casablanca’s Elite Model Management in New York City and Los Angeles. As both a model and later an agency director, Leslie graced numerous magazine covers, including back-to-back covers of Teen Magazine in 1980 and 1981, covers of OUI, Boating Magazine, and many others, and countless national print campaigns. She was widely regarded as one of America’s top models of the 1980s, earning her a rightful place among the first wave of what would later be called supermodels. Beyond her own remarkable career, Leslie served as a model and agency coordinator for the John Robert Powers Agency in Rochester, New York, and later as agency director at Barbizon Orlando in Florida. She was deeply committed to mentoring and coaching young talent, playing a pivotal role in the success of many aspiring models, some of whom went on to win titles such as Miss New York State and compete at Miss America. Later in life, Leslie poured her boundless energy and compassion into many roles, including working as a prep cook, teaching step aerobics, serving as a veterinary technician for Dr. Bluvis in Gloversville, and working as a receptionist at Active and Well Family Chiropractic — always choosing professions where her kindness, empathy, and vibrant spirit could shine through. Her world revolved around her family — particularly her husband, daughter, and her parents, to whom she remained profoundly close throughout her life. She married her beloved husband, Glenn C. Havens, on September 14, 1985, and together they would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this September, not counting the many beautiful years they shared before marriage. She was a constant, loving presence in her daughter’s life — cheering her on at school events, offering career day modeling demonstrations, and standing proudly beside her at every milestone. Leslie also remained closely bonded to her mother, Patricia A. Taylor (Tesi), and her father, John A. Mehrten, throughout her life. She shared a lifelong friendship with her mother, speaking daily and sharing the everyday joys and burdens of life with a deep, unbreakable connection. Leslie was immensely proud of her father’s groundbreaking career as an engineer at NASA, where he helped put some of the world’s first satellites into space. One of her proudest memories was watching alongside her family as her father’s final project, the Terra Satellite, launched into orbit — a moment that filled her with awe and profound admiration. Leslie’s creativity was boundless. She loved to draw and paint, often teaching her daughter with patience and a nurturing spirit. She adored music — shaking a tambourine or maracas in her husband’s band, singing along to her favorite artists from The Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead to Celtic music and newer indie bands. Pop culture fascinated her; she embraced every wave of creativity and change with enthusiasm. Few things made her happier than watching live music, especially when Glenn was on stage. One of the final joys of her life was sitting front row at The Eddie Music Festival, watching her husband perform alongside other local artists — a cherished memory made possible by the loving care of nursing home staff who understood just how much it meant to her. She loved the outdoors — hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and camping — always done with her signature flair. She welcomed every creature, big and small, into her life, including the frogs, snakes, and salamanders her daughter brought home. Family stories still bring laughter, especially the one where she famously mistook wild turkeys for escaped peacocks. Leslie was truly a conversationalist. People seemed drawn to her warmth; strangers would regularly approach her in grocery stores, at the bank, or even passing by on the sidewalk — sensing her kindness without a word. She had a unique way of making people feel seen, valued, and understood, no matter who they were. She was brilliant — endlessly curious and full of quiet strength. Leslie earned a certificate in medical transcription and attended several schools, including a private school in Canoga Park, California, before graduating from Broadalbin-Perth High School and completing her senior year at Gloversville High School. She spent part of her youth near the ocean at Redondo Beach, California — a place she loved deeply and whose beauty and freedom she carried with her always. She had the effortless spirit of a California surfer girl, no matter where life took her. Her home was her sanctuary — a Colonial-style house she designed and decorated herself. Every detail reflected her love for beauty, tradition, and comfort. She took incredible pride in creating a warm and welcoming space, a place filled with light, creativity, and love, where family, friends, and countless rescued animals were always made to feel at home. Leslie especially loved the holidays, but none more than Christmas. She poured her heart into every celebration — decorating the house as if it were straight out of a Great Hall Yule celebration, with lights, garlands, ornaments, and the comforting aroma of hot mulled cider filling every room. For her daughter, it wasn’t just Christmas magic — it was the spirit and magic of a mother’s love, made real year after year. Her Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life. A devout and deeply thoughtful Christian, she explored many denominations and studied the Bible with dedication, always striving to understand and live her faith more fully. Her spirituality was steady, profound, and quietly radiant. Leslie was a beautiful blonde with captivating hazel-green eyes and a smile that could light up even the darkest room. But her beauty ran deeper — it lived in her kindness, her wisdom, her gentleness, and her strength. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside, carrying grace, dignity, and quiet power in everything she did. She was predeceased by her beloved father, John A. Mehrten. She is survived by her devoted mother, Patricia A. Taylor (Tesi); her loving husband of nearly 40 years, Glenn C. Havens; her cherished daughter, Caela Weeden-Havens, and her husband, Seth Weeden. She also leaves behind her beloved pets, who were family to her in every sense. Leslie’s life was defined by love — for her family, for the animals she rescued, for the art she created, the music she celebrated, the ocean she missed, and the earth she honored. She leaves behind a legacy of beauty, strength, and extraordinary kindness that will forever live on in the hearts she touched. Though the world feels heavier without her, her spirit remains — in the laughter of her family, the colors of the ocean she adored, the melodies of every song she loved, and the quiet strength she taught by example. And so, we do not say goodbye. Instead, we hold fast to the truth that love never fades, and those we cherish are never truly gone. Leslie has only slipped quietly into another room — just beyond the curve of sight — where she waits for us in a place untouched by sorrow, forever near, forever loved. A small memorial for family and close friends will be held on June 10, 2025, at Stump City Brewery in Gloversville, NY, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, concluding with a private ceremony to celebrate the incredible life Leslie lived. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leslie’s memory to one of her most cherished causes: Friends of the Forgotten Cat Rescue

Leslie A. Havens

April 14, 1962 - May 29, 2025

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Leslie A. Havens

April 14, 1962 - May 29, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

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About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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