Dorothy Leier

Dorothy M. Leier, 80, died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family at home in Apex, North Carolina on October 8, 2018.

Born in the Bronx on April 16, 1938, she was the daughter of Herbert and Margaret Grill. She attended Catholic school and graduated from Holy Name in New York City.

After graduating at the top of her class from Wood School, also in New York City, she worked as an executive assistant at various companies, primarily IBM, and ended her work career as an Executive Assistant with the Office of the Commissioner of Westchester County.

After she and George Leier were married, they moved to Rye, where they raised their family. At home, she cared for her husband, children, and their friends; at school, she volunteered her time freely; and at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Larchmont, she volunteered her time generously in various capacities. Her friends and neighbors remember her as a champion of the underdog, always willing to help; her closest neighbor dubbed her “Crusader Rabbit”.

In 1982, the Leiers moved to Raleigh, where they both became communicants at the Church of the Good Shepherd. She brought her mother to live with them and cared for her in her home until her passing.

Following a 1983 airplane crash in which her husband and daughter were severely injured, Mrs. Leier devoted herself to their care. She then returned to work as an executive assistant at Paul B. Williams, an office products manufacturer, and on site at IBM. When a dear friend of hers was diagnosed with cancer, she stepped in and ran her store, which consigned and sold gently used items for children.

Her family said, “Her love of children was evident in all she did. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great–grandchild immensely. They held her heart always.” 

Dorothy Leier was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, George Leier Jr. She is survived by her three children, George Leier III of Maryland, Margaret Elizabeth Leier, and Karen Ann Leier Kuhns, both of Raleigh, and their respective families. 

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.