Mary Leisses, MS
On Friday, June 14th, 2019, the world lost the most amazing person. Mary Leisses was not only an educator, audiologist, leader and mentor to so many, she was also a mom, daughter, sister and the greatest friend on this earth. Mary battled breast cancer for many years, but she never wanted us to say she lost her battle with cancer, because cancer did not define her. So, we say, Mary completed her life’s journey and died surrounded by peace and love.
Mary was born December 20th, 1964 in Beaver Dam, Wis. She attended Catholic grade schools growing up, which explains her Rabid Nun persona and the need to have wooden rulers in her desk. She graduated from Beaver Dam High School and then went on to earn her B.S. in Communicative Disorders from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and M.S. in Audiology from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Mary’s greatest achievement in a life of many honors for intelligence, commitment and wit, was her daughter Elain. Every presentation started out with a current picture of Elain, and Elain was often in attendance at Mary’s presentations. Mary’s most important role in life was being Elain’s mom.
Mary has been a powerhouse in the hearing aid industry, wearing many hats–among them Customer Service, R&D, Product Management and Education & Training. She worked at several manufacturers over the decades and spent the last 13 years with Starkey Hearing Technologies.
Mary is survived by her daughter Elain Schmidt, ex-husband Chuck Schmidt, best friend Lois Benson, and an enormous list of friends who she considered to be her family.
Mary, fly high our dear friend, you will be dearly missed.
The Hearing Review thanks Starkey’s Lois Benson who provided this tribute upon request and to David Fabry for his assistance.
Missed and loved by one and all, but never forgotten.
Mary will truly be missed but certainly not forgotten. Her contributions to Audiology Education will continue. Barry Freeman
Mary will be missed this industry has lost a true leader a great mind and a wonderful person always willing to help you with your needs. Most of all many of lost a friend and her legacy will live on.
The hearing aid industry has lost a great advocate. Not only did Mary’s skills and talent change the lives of those she fit, but untold millions of people around the world will forever be graced with the lessons she taught to so many dedicated professionals over the years. If you trace it back, nearly every current hearing aid provider was impacted by Mary’s unique and effective teachings. Be well my dear friend.
What a beautiful tribute, Lois. I knew Mary by reputation and we had met several times and she was certainly remarkable, even to someone like me who was her acquaintance. She will certainly be remembered.
“Geek Girl” was one of the finest educators I have ever met, but she was also a warm and Wonderful human being! Rest In Peace sweet Mary!
Mary was loved by all and we were loved by her! She made me feel special and totally inspired by her! She will be sadly missed but we know she is watching over us from Heaven!,
God Bless you Mary! For me no one in the hearing industry will be as memorable as you. You are the best! Rest in Peace knowing you are loved and honored by so many!
The world has truly lost an amazing woman.
Mary was such a positive and energetic force in the hearing aid world. She had a way of making everything interesting and fun, even speech mapping, compression ratios and real ear measurements! I know I’m not alone in remembering hearing Elain’s little voice in the background on some of Mary’s tele-training calls and how she loved to talk about her little girl.
My thoughts and prayers to Elain.
Rest in peace, Mary. You will be missed by so many.
The brightest audiologist and educator I ever knew and worked with; she will be sorely missed!
Such a wonderful person. I will always remember that smile. RIP
Very few times in a life you come across a truly exceptional soul. Mary is one of those, her laugher wit and brilliance departed too soon from friends and family she will alway bring a smile to my face every time she crosses through my thoughts, Love you!
She was an amazing teacher and had a fabulous energy that she used to connect with people. She will be missed by many. My sympathies to her family and friends.
Lynn Byrne
Mary was loved by all who knew her! And we all felt loved and special by her! She will be sadly missed but we also know she will be watching over us from Heaven! I love you Mary Leisses,
A beautiful soul.
There is a brick missing in the foundation of the Starkey family. Her charm and grace was always present. She had the gift of teaching in such a way as to entertain and delight at the same time. She will be missed.
I have known Mary for most of her great career – such a kind, loving human being – we have lost one of the good ones in life way too early – we love you Mary – you will not be forgotten!!
Mary was soooo loved by all who knew her , She loved us back and inspired us and always astonished us with her courage! She will be greatly missed but we know she is watching over us all with heavenly love ❤️
You are free now and we will dearly miss you.