Alice Leskovec

Alice Leskovec, age 96, died on August 5, 2026, at the Little Falls Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born on April 16, 1930, in Schenevus, NY, the daughter of Bernard and Sigrid Staunstrup, who had recently immigrated from Denmark.

Alice’s early years were spent in the Cooperstown area, before moving to Little Falls. She graduated from Little Falls High School, then went on to graduate from Geneseo State College.

She married Frank Leskovec in 1952 and they lived in Colorado and the Utica area before settling in Ilion, NY, where they raised their two children. Alice worked as an elementary school librarian in the Ilion School District for 25 years.

She was an avid and skilled gardener, creating beautiful flower gardens and bountiful vegetable gardens. She and her family engaged in an active outdoor life, hiking, camping, canoeing, and skiing. Alice and Frank built a camp, “Wilderness Wrest,” in the southern Adirondacks, and they spent many years working on the property and enjoying their time there.

After retirement, Alice and Frank returned to Little Falls, where they enjoyed many happy years. Alice volunteered at the Little Falls Library and the Community Co-op. She was an active member of the Little Falls Unitarian Universalist Church.

Alice was proud of her Danish heritage. She maintained close contact with relatives in Denmark. A true Scandinavian, her determination and stamina were legendary. Fatigue was not an option. Her most crushing criticism was, “You look tired.”

Beneath the crisp exterior, Alice was a thoughtful and generous friend, mother, and grandmother. Her generosity made big projects possible, from graduate education to housing improvements. She had a sharp and keen mind that was unparalleled in tackling a dilemma. We called her for advice about our biggest decisions — and also to discuss books and news, because she had wide-ranging taste in fiction and also kept up with politics.

Alice attracted amazing people who would do anything for her. In later years, the efforts of her friends and neighbors allowed her to remain in her own home. The family is deeply grateful to these individuals for the open-hearted friendship and practical support that you offered.

Survivors in her immediate family include her son Eric (Julie) of Fort Edward, NY; her daughter Christine (Jenna) of Trumansburg, NY; grandchildren Mark of New York City and Jenna of Saratoga Springs; and relatives in Denmark, including the family of cousin Janni Riise.

Alice was predeceased by her parents and husband Frank Leskovec and several special friends with whom she was very close.

Alice spent the past year living at Valley Residential Services in East Herkimer, NY, where she received wonderful care and kindness from the staff. She was also welcomed with open arms by her fellow residents. Thank you.

Her final week was spent on 3-East at the Little Falls Hospital. The care that she was given was exceptional in every way and the family is grateful that her journey ended in comfort and peace. Thank you.

Alice’s family would also like to thank each one of Alice’s dear friends and neighbors, who provided loving kindness, care and support over the years. We are so thankful for your dedication to Alice’s well-being.

Alice asked that there be no calling hours or funeral. In her memory, check a book out of the library, bake cookies for a friend, or feed your local hummingbird. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Alice’s name to the Little Falls Public Library. Alice had a lifelong relationship with that library. She started volunteering there in high school and befriended the librarian there, sending her down the path she chose. She was still reading books from that same library into her 90’s.

Her final arrangements are with The Enea Family Funeral Home, 24 West Monroe Street in Little Falls. (315) 823-2424. 

Her obituary may be viewed online at www.eneafamily.com