Dr. Leila Ben-Nasr

November 28, 2025

The world has lost a brilliant mind and a boundless heart with the passing of Dr. Leila Ben-Nasr. An educator for over 25 years, Leila was more than a teacher; she was a mentor, a confidante, and a lifelong champion for the thousands of students who walked into her classroom.

Born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Leila was a proud graduate of Manheim Township High School, Class of 1993. Her passion for learning was evident early on, leading her to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Westminster College and her Master’s in English from Millersville University. Driven by a deep love for literature and language, she achieved the pinnacle of academic success by earning her PhD in English from The Ohio State University.

Leila’s career was a testament to her versatility and dedication. She began her journey shaping young minds at John Piersol McCaskey High School, where she taught for over a decade. She eventually realized her dream of teaching at the collegiate level, serving as a Graduate Teaching Associate at Ohio State, and later as a Visiting Assistant Professor at both Bates College and Oberlin College. Teaching college students was a role she cherished deeply, loving the intellectual exchange and the opportunity to guide young adults finding their path.

Most recently, Leila poured her heart into her passion for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at the John Marshall School of Engineering. She possessed a unique gift for making students feel seen and heard, regardless of language barriers.

However, Leila’s legacy is not found merely in her degrees or job titles, but in the relationships she built. She possessed a kindness and generosity that magnetized people to her. She cultivated bonds with her students that lasted far beyond graduation day. It was common for former students—from high schoolers she taught in the 90s to recent college graduates—to reach out to her, eager to share their latest life updates. Leila beamed with pride when sharing the “spectacular things” her students were doing in the world, knowing she played a part in their journey.

Leila’s loss will be felt deeply by anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She is survived by her loving parents, Mouna and Habib Ben-Nasr; her sister, Nadia Ben-Nasr; and her two brothers, Ramsey and Sammy Ben-Nasr.

The Janazah Salah will be held at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home at 11am November 30, 2025, while the family will receive guests at 10:30am (3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543), followed by burial at Manheim Fairview Cemetery (98 W Sun Hill Rd, Manheim, PA 17545).

A celebration of Leila’s life will be held at a to be determined date and time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Leila’s memory by performing an act of kindness for a teacher or a student in your community