Leib, Wendy F.

Narragansett

Leib, Wendy F., 79, passed away Monday, September 1, 2025, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous 13-year battle with cancer.

She was the beloved wife of Harvey A. Leib, with whom she celebrated their 57^th wedding anniversary on August 11^th. Born in Providence, Wendy was the youngest child and only daughter of the late Herman and Ethel (Konisky) Weinstein, daughter-in-law of the late Saul and Florence (Feldman) Leib. Wendy raised her family in Worcester, MA, and spent summers chasing her kids around Narragansett Town Beach. Later in life she enjoyed spending winters in West Palm Beach, FL., until deciding to settle permanently Narragansett, RI.

She leaves behind her loving and devoted husband of 57-years, Harvey A. Leib, her daughters Michelle Spaulding and her husband Lawrence, of Leicester, MA, Caryn Sonnenstuhl and her husband Eric of Natick, MA, and Jaime Buskey of Worcester, MA. Her sister-in-law, Rachel Weinstein, and brother-in-law Jay Leib and his partner Sue Orenstein. She also leaves behind her nine beloved grandchildren, who she fondly referred to as her “Love Bugs”, Tyler J. Spaulding, Ethan J. Spaulding, Rileigh K. Spaulding, Ainsleigh E. Spaulding, Spencer I. Sonnenstuhl, Grant H. Sonnenstuhl, Kensington E. Sonnenstuhl, Noah J. Buskey and Alexander N. Buskey. Her nieces Lynda Shain, Pamela Weinstein, Hilari Weinstein and nephews Mitchell Weinstein, Jeffrey Weinstein, and Jeffrey Leib. She was predeceased by her brothers Gerald Weinstein and his wife Debra Weinstein, Irwin “Mike” Weinstein, her brother-in-law, Donald L. Leib, and sister-in-law, Carol T. Shain. And lastly, shes leaves behind her beloved Shih Tzu, Paisley Ann.

Wendy grew up in Cranston, RI with her parents and her two big brothers, Gerry and Mike. She enjoyed being their Princess but grew up by their sides fishing and watching the Pawtucket Red Rox. She was a member of the Cranston East High School’s Class of 1964. She went on to take classes at both Providence College and Johnson and Wales University. Wendy married the love of her life, Harvey, on August 11^th 1968. After moving to Worcester, MA, they worked side by side, owning and operating Lafayette Radio in Lincoln Plaza. Wendy was proud of her Jewish heritage and was an advisor for the B’Nai Brith Girls Organization and served as a mentor for young Jewish girls at the Worcester JCC. When Wendy and Harvey started their family, she became a stay-at-home mom, devoting herself to her husband, daughters and grandchildren. She was an active member of the community, including her role as Flagg Street School PTG President and “school store and ice cream lady”. She was the biggest supporter of her children and grandchildren’s activities. You could often find her backstage at dance recitals securing those last-minute bobby-pins, cheering on the side-lines of hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and baseball games, proudly clapping the loudest at dance performances, and was sure to never miss a graduation from pre-school to college. She loved to knit and sew, as well as read, and she adored watching her nightly shows, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. And we cannot forget to mention her love of social media, where she was quick to “like” and comment words of encouragement to so many of those close to her, as well as complete strangers. Wendy proudly raised her daughters into incredible women, for whom with she shares so many memories and traditions. She passed on her love of cooking for the Jewish holidays, especially her chicken soup, which became known as her “Jewish Penicillin”. She enjoyed lighting the Shabbat candles with her grandchildren and set the bar higher than most for Hanukkah. Wendy was an avid shopper, a hobby she shared with her three daughters and three granddaughters. She was the original “Maxxinista”.

Wendy was affectionately known as Bubbie to her grandchildren. The family home in Narragansett became known as “Bubbie’s House”. She was a proud “Navy Bubbie”, and glowed whenever she talked about her two oldest grandsons, both Sailors in the Navy. Her car not only sported a “Bubbie” license plate, but also a “Dance Bubbie” sticker. Together, Wendy and Harvey opened their arms and lives creating an extended family and were both the honorary “Bubbie” and “Zeyde” to so many.

Most of all, Wendy lived for being a wife and best friend to her beloved husband, Harvey. Together for 61 years, they created so many special memories. They enjoyed trips to the theater, going on cruises, and traveling. Wendy never had to worry about anything, because Harvey was always there. No task was too big or too small – from driving her to hundreds of doctors’ appointments in Boston, to making her favorite grilled cheese, he did everything and anything to make her happy. Even in her final moments, Harvey’s love and devotion was ever present. Together they created a beautiful life, and a legacy that will live on through their family.

Wendy’s family would like to thank the medical teams at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, South County Hospital and HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice for their dedication to Wendy’s health and battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at SHALOM MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston, RI 02920. Shiva will be observed on Sunday 1 – 4pm and 6 – 8pm and Monday 5 – 8pm, at the Spaulding Residence, 28 Sabina Circle, Rochdale, MA 01542.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

To view the pre-recorded service, please click here.