December 31, 2025

Leila was a dear friend and loved by so many. I have been thinking so much about her since her passing. She brought so much good to the world. Her ethics, her love for her family and friends, her sense of adventure, all these things will stay with us. My deepest condolences to Leila’s family. الله يرحمها
Johanna Sellman

December 13, 2025

I’m so sorry for the loss of Leila and have been thinking of her often. She’s someone I’ll always remember for her kindness and ability to be with you where you were. Her genuine joy at hearing that something good had happened for anyone–from a stranger to an acquaintance to a friend–will also always stay with me. Lizzie Nixon

December 09, 2025

El barka fihom rabbi ysabarkom Allah yerhahmha. Aida BEL CAID HASSINE

December 08, 2025

On behalf of our team, please accept our heartfelt condolences. We are deeply sorry for your loss and wish you comfort and peace in the days ahead. – Jamestown Village Apts.

December 06, 2025

Dr. Ben-Nasr deeply touched me as a person and I will never forget her kindness during my last year at Oberlin College. On the day of my poster presentation for my thesis, she showed up, gave me a hug, and a bag full of thoughtful gifts and books she knew I would resonate with. There was also a handwritten card with a quote by Anais Nin on the cover: “And the time came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” I’ve returned to her words countless times when considering my next steps and fears about the future. I wish I got to tell her one last time how much her kindness impacted me. I’m so grateful for the care she showed me and that she always believed in me. As a school social worker, I hope to do justice to her legacy and carry it forward in my work. Dr. Ben-Nasr was truly one of a kind and I offer my condolences to her family.
Ly D.

December 06, 2025

I knew Leila in graduate school, and she was the sort of person who made a beautiful community wherever she went. Her kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in everyone around her was evident from the moment I met her. She was a light in the dark and will continue to be one for everyone who knew and cared for her.
Erika Strandjord

December 06, 2025

I am heartbroken to hear about Leila’s passing. I had the privilege of working with Leila when our Visiting Assistant Professor positions overlapped at Oberlin for a year. She was my office neighbor, and we spent so much time talking about teaching, how to best support students, and also so much time sharing rage about the genocide in Gaza. She was an absolute role model to me in her unabashed commitment to Palestine; she was brave and outspoken and did everything she could to advocate for student organizers, too. As many of these stories have noted, she was also an incredibly thoughtful gift-giver. I will always cherish the Nicole Georges calendar she got all of her colleagues for the new year — Georges is a favorite of mine, and it was sweet to discover Leila was a fan too. I hadn’t seen her in about a year (though we’d messaged a bit), but thankfully we finally reconnected in person this past September. I am so grateful I got to have that time with her, but am so deeply sad that it was to be our last. I am sending love and prayers to her family. The world is worse without her, but may that be motivation for all of us to do right by her legacy and carry on her light. 
Raechel Jolie

December 05, 2025

I am so very sorry for your loss.  Leila na d I worked togeher many Junes during Advanced Placement readings in English Literature and Composition and I valued her as a colleague and a friend.  She will be greatly missed.
Leann West

December 05, 2025

I am so deeply saddened to hear about Professor Ben-Nasr’s passing. I took one of my last college classes at Oberlin with her, which was on Afro-Asian solidarity. She was an incredible teacher, not only because she assigned engaging material that I still think about two years later, but because she had an incredible way of making students feel heard. The last year of college was difficult for me, but she showed me nothing but grace, for which I’m forever grateful. She reached out to me the last week of school to grab lunch, which was such a lovely time. She gave me a book of prose called Inciting Joy and a kuffiyeh, two gifts I still have today. She touched me with her generosity and kindness, especially considering I only took one class with her, and I honesty didn’t consider myself the best student in that class. I will continue to show other people the same generosity, respect, and care she showed me in her honor.
Holding her and her family in the light always. Vanessa Baker

December 04, 2025

I’m so saddened to hear of the passing of Leila, the great champion of Arab American writers.  We only met a couple of  times in person, but I will forever be touched by her kindness to writers and artists and to supporting their work– and a message from Leila always made me smile.  May her family find comfort in how much she was loved and valued–and how many people’s lives she touched.  Allah yerhamha

December 04, 2025

Before I had the privilege of taking multiple classes with Professor Ben-Nasr during my senior year at Oberlin, I met her while I was selling pottery on campus. At the time, I was incredibly nervous to sell my art, but I’ll never forget her warmth and enthusiasm in getting to know me and purchasing a pot from me, telling me where her office was located and that I could come visit the pot whenever I wanted. 
As her student the following year, she once called me in for office hours to give me an earthenware vase she had bought online that arrived with a hairline fracture. In her office, the pot she had bought from me still sat proudly on a shelf. She beamed at me when I pointed it out, and told me how much she loved it. She gave me the new vase to fix, and insisted I keep it after I mentioned returning it to her. To me, these moments exemplify her investment in caring exchange with her students and their growth, not just as members of the classroom, but as people. 
In class, Dr. Ben-Nasr wasn’t only incredibly engaging and empathetic, but also had such an inspiring sense of urgency that motivated me to be a better learner and person. She was the type of professor who told her students to speak up in class because she believed in what they were saying. I’ll always remember the confidence she instilled in me to even attempt to ask critical questions.
I’m so deeply sorry and devastated to see this, but I’ll be forever grateful that I had the chance to learn from her and that I made something that she enjoyed during her time with us.
Olive Badrinath 

December 04, 2025

I took one class with Professor Ben Nasr the spring semester of my senior year at Oberlin College with two friends. Upon our graduation, she gifted each of us colored pens & a coloring book, a figurine of a Tokidoki unicorn with a graduation cap, & a book specialized to our interests and backgrounds that she had come to learn over our semester together (mine being Stay True by Hua Hsu). I was so moved by her thoughtfulness and generosity; she was hardly a professor I frequently interacted with during my time at Oberlin, nor had I believed that me or my two senior peers were standouts in her class. Upon finishing Stay True, I reached out to her to share my thoughts on the book and life updates since graduating. That message bloomed into an email correspondence that continued for the past 2 years. 
I am so grateful to have our emails to look back on and remember Professor Ben-Nasr exactly for who she was: one of the most kind and uplifting educators I have ever had and, later on, a real friend and mentor. I am so shocked & devastated to hear of her passing and send my deepest condolences to the Ben-Nasr family. I feel so lucky to have been blessed by her presence in my life. 
Tali Braun

December 04, 2025

 I am heartbroken,Leila was a friend and neighbor of mine she had a heart of gold . Every time she would go to  Sam’s club she would buy croissants and always shared them with me . I am going to miss her  dearly.my condolences to her family.
Michelle

December 03, 2025

Leila Ben-Nasr was my teacher for a year at McCaskey high school and was one of the smartest, kindest teachers I have had. She treated us as people with ideas worth listening to. While she didn’t put up with any nonsense, she never held it against us. This was such a gift to a class full of teenagers. And she was kind – she gave everyone one pass each semester, allowing us to turn in an assignment late, no questions asked. She gave us pencils with little notes of encouragement before our exams. Over the years, I acquired many of the books she taught us in that class – more because of *her* than the books themselves.
I and many others are better writers, thinkers, and people for having known her.

December 03, 2025

I am heartbroken at this loss. Leila was a dear friend and colleague to me during our time at Ohio State University; we worked through our doctoral programs at the same time. I had my first son while I was working on my dissertation, and it was really difficult. Leila was one of the few friends who would volunteer to babysit, even at the last minute, and she always cheered me on and made me feel like I could do anything. I still keep a beautiful card she gave me back then in my office and look at it to cheer myself up on hard work days. I am not sure if I ever returned the love and support as I should have…or if it was even possible, as Leila’s generosity and radical kindness were hard to match. She was brilliant, bold, and loving. She left a mark on this world and made such a difference. I will miss her terribly, and my deepest condolences to her close family and friends. Lauren Obermark
 

December 03, 2025

I was so incredibly sad to hear the news of Leila’s passing. As so many others have expressed here, she was a true gem. My sincere condolences to her family from an Oberlin College colleague.
Amy Margaris

December 03, 2025

I was one of Dr. Ben-Nasr’s students many years ago at J.P McCaskey. I remember her vividly as one of the kindest and most devoted teachers I experienced throughout all my years in school and beyond. She believed in me and I still carry that feeling with me. It was an honor to have known her. She will be very missed.
A. Lucas

December 03, 2025

Both of our sons had Ms. Ben-Nasr at McCaskey High School. They loved her. Her affection and support for her students made a lasting impression on them. She wanted the best for them as students and human beings. We are grateful and offer our sincere condolences to her family. 
Ron and Marilou Adams

December 03, 2025

My first semester of freshman year at Oberlin College, I took a course on Arab American literature with Leila. From the first day, she established herself as a passionate scholar of the Arab American experience and a teacher who truly cared about the intellectual and emotional well-being of her students. Outside of class, she would ask after my family, chat about food and identity, and just be the open, considerate, and encouraging person I know so many other students remember her as. Her effort to make those around her feel safe, comfortable, and noticed–especially those who don’t always have that privilege–seems to have been a lifelong dedication. I hope all of us who were touched by it continue to carry that warmth wherever we go. I send my sincerest condolences to her loved ones. Thank you, Leila.
-Sophia Samra, ’26

December 02, 2025

My time at McCaskey was not complete without Ms. Ben-Nasr, our acutely intelligent, talented, and compassionate powerhouse of a woman. She would let me come by quietly after school to rearrange her poetry magnets and listen. I have carried her gift of Hemingway’s short stories for more than 20yrs with me across continents and continued to be amazed by her career over the years. And this year when my father passed, she expressed her due, which meant so much to me. I wish it was not my turn. Allah yerhama. My deepest condolences to the Ben-Nasr family.
Vashea Leigh

December 02, 2025

I remember taking Dr. Ben-Nasr’s Asian American Reckonings course as an underclassman. Although I only had one class with her, I will never forget how passionate she was about teaching and how intentional she was about connecting with her students. May Allah grant her Jannah <3 
Anora Lee ‘26

December 02, 2025

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
Professor Ben-Nasr is the most compassionate, wise, and thoughtful educator I have ever had the privelege of learning from. I will always remember her as a beacon of hope, courage, and kindness in my college journey. She was one of the only faculty who stood beside student activists in the wake of the ongoing Palestinian genocide. The lessons she taught extended beyond the classroom, teaching us what it meant to be in community and care for one another. I have carried her lessons and words of affirmation with me through every difficult time, as have so many of her students. I will truly never forget her and I pray her legacy as an educator can be continued by all those she touched. May Allah SWT grant her the highest level of Jannah
Juwayria Zahurullah

December 02, 2025

I am saddened to hear of Leila’s passing. I had the privilege of playing basketball with her in high school, and I will always remember her kindness and spirit. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am very sorry for your loss. With sympathy, Kimberly Coblentz Figart

December 02, 2025

I took one of Dr. Ben-Nasr’s classes at Oberlin, and I will always remember her kind and warm energy. She was incredibly intelligent and insightful, and I admired the way she tackled difficult subjects in an eloquent and meaningful way. She encouraged students to be the best versions of themselves, and I could tell that she was both a friend and a mentor to many people. Because she was loved by many, she will be grieved by many as well. My condolences to her family.
Elyssa

December 02, 2025

My sincerest condolences to Leila’s family and friends. I had the good fortune to know Leila throughout her graduate career at OSU as her teacher and dissertation advisor. I always admired the breadth of her knowledge, her intellectual curiosity, and of course her boundless generosity. The many gifts I received from Leila scattered around my office and house now serve as constant reminders of her kindness and thoughtfulness. I still can’t believe this crushing news.
In deepest sorrow,
Joe Ponce

December 02, 2025

As sad as hearing this news is, I will forever be grateful that I had the opportunity to be a student in one of Dr. Leila Ben-Nasr’s classes at Oberlin College. While her time at Oberlin was brief, and I only took one class with her, I will forever be changed by her teaching. Dr. Ben-Nasr was compassionate, dedicated, thoughtful, and incredibly understanding. Her voice filled the room even from behind a N-95 mask. She taught me so so much about Arab American history and how to interpret text through a decolonial lens. She introduced me to so many fantastic writers and artists. Dr. Ben-Nasr’s class was certainly one of my favorites that I’ve taken at my time at Oberlin. I know she has impacted many students beyond me, and that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Dr. Ben-Nasr. My deepest condolences to her family and all who loved her. 
Sincerely,
Ella Bezkorovainy
Oberlin ’26

December 02, 2025

So sorry for your loss…Leila will be greatly missed..
Mary Klingensmith-McNeish

December 02, 2025

I worked with Leila at Ohio State. She had such a generous spirit and ability to connect with every student. She made the Department of English a better place and will be greatly missed. 
Eddie Singleton

December 02, 2025

I was privileged to know Leila these past two years working at John Marshall. She was the most generous person I have ever met. From having the nice mechanical pencils for students to use everyday, to buying a book full of books after one student asked if we had a specific series in our class library, and many more instances. Ms B was always giving and never expected anything in return. She supported me in everything I did, and I know I am a better educator thanks to my time with her. I will miss her greatly, not only just in sharing the classroom, but as a true friend. Wishing her family and friends, all the people she clearly left a lasting impact on, peace during this difficult time. Please know of my own commitment to be more like Leila everyday- generous, joyful, dedicated to justice. May her legacy live on. Maggie Rahill

December 02, 2025

We mourn the loss of Dr. Leila Ben-Nasr, a devoted educator and mentor who touched many lives with her kindness, wisdom, and dedication. Her impact on her students and colleagues will be remembered always. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace. Dr. Ziad Alhanafi

December 01, 2025

When I think back to my college days, Leila is somebody who always jumps into my head. At a time when many of us were pondering who we were or wanted to be, Leila always poured out happiness and confidence that was infectious. I have no doubt that she continued to do this wherever she went. I am positive that she would want to be remembered as someone who worked hard, stayed positive and upbeat, and was as resilient as they come. I have never come across anyone like her and I imagine I never will. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed. Jessica Banaszak

December 01, 2025

This one hurts.  As a newly out of the closest junior in high school in 2002, she always took the time to check in with me and make sure I was feeling safe, comfortable, and just overall okay.  She was also an amazing educator who took the time to help me transition from 10th grade English in Arkansas (which was truly an 8th grade English class here) to a college level IB English class that I was drowning in the first semester.  I learned so, so much from her!  This is such a loss for so many. 💔 Wayne Saenen

December 01, 2025

I bring condolences and heartfelt sympathy for the Ben-Nasr family.  I have only known “Doc” as I affectionatly called her for 2 years. She was an extremely passionate educator and truely cared about her students and their overall success.  I would always see her on her planning period during 8th period in the teachers lounge when I would get my daily fix of M&M’s or a Coke.  About a month ago she walked in to the building with a huge box of M&M’s for me so that I was not spending so much on individual bags.  Just a sweet person that was always thinking of others.  The students, faculty and administration will miss Dr. Ben-Nasr and her passoion for education, student growth, and just being a team player.  Rest in Power DOC!! TImothy L Primus

December 01, 2025

RIP Mu’Alima
🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🫶🫶🫶🫶🙏🕯🙏🕯🙏 Edward

December 01, 2025

Leila and I were graduate students together at Ohio State. The sincerity and genuine warmth that she shared with her friends is unmatched by anyone else I have ever met. I still have a letter she wrote me when I left Columbus because it was so kind I wanted to keep it always. I will honor her family’s wishes to do something kind for a teacher in her memory, and I also want to begin using an expression she used often that I loved – “may all your dreams and aspirations be realized.” What a generous wish to share with someone. My deepest sympathies to Leila’s family. Kate Parker Horigan

December 01, 2025

My name is Judy Lopez and i met Mouna in our aerobic swim classes where we became friends.  Through our conversations she talked acout all her children and their sucesses in life.  I am really saddened to hear of Leila’s death at such an age whe she started to fully enjoy the fruits of her education and experience.  It’s a tremendous blow to her parents ,brothers and sister.  The family is very close knit and Leila wll be missed by all her Aunts, Uncles and cousins as well who live overseas .  i wish them all the best in at this time. Judy Lopez

December 01, 2025

My condolences to the Ben-Nasr family for the loss. One of my favorite teachers while at JP McCaskey! Always could pop into her room during my lunch or study hall periods for a quick laugh or back and forth. Helped make my junior and senior years of high school better than expected. She will be missed! Antoine Woodard

December 01, 2025

My deepest condolences to the family.  She was a woman of great passion for what she did. The education of her students was top priority. I wish I could write a lot more, but right now I’m without words for this loss.   May the peace of God (Allah) upon the whole Family. Abby C.

November 30, 2025

My name is Mary Forster, and I first met Leila when I moved from McCaskey East to JP McCaskey, and we were both a part of the English department. She was incredibly welcoming and kind as she offered to help me move my things into my classroom. Leila gave me a set of shelves for use in my classrom and helped to set them up. The entire time we worked in the same building Leila helped me when I was frustrated and shared many lesson plan ideas. I was sad when she left the JP McCaskey English department, and I am deeply saddened that we lost her so young. 
Mary Forster

November 30, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. Leila was the kindest and most inspiring person I met during my graduate studies and I feel so lucky to have known her. She was so warm and creative. She was and a gifted scholar and teacher–I always went to her for advice. She created community wherever she went. My condolences to her many friends and family.
Kristina Garvin

November 30, 2025

Leila and I graduated together from Manheim Township (class of 93).  She was a dear friend of mine and I’ll always remember her as an amazing person.  It was so devastating to hear about her passing.  My deepest condolences to Leila’s family.  
Jason Paul

November 30, 2025

Mouna took care of me when I was a young girl. I have nothing but wonderful memories of Leila. She was always so kind and never seemed annoyed by a little girl. My heart goes out to the entire family and I’m sending nothing but love and healing. 
Charmaigne Grimm-Akerley

November 30, 2025

I was also at OSU with Leila, and while we didn’t know each other closely, she was such a warm, mentoring presence and always ready to celebrate others–as one of our other friends also noted in his remembrance on Facebook, anytime someone had good news she would comment not just Mabrouk but ALF mabrouk, and I think that just says everything. May her memory be a blessing, and I’ll be thinking of her as I usher my students to the end of the semester. 
Alexandra Harlig

November 30, 2025

Thinking of all of her friends and family.  I went to Westminster College and played basketball with her.  Very sweet, kind, and caring 💕💕💕
Elizabeth Sherry

November 30, 2025

I am so sorry to hear about Leila’s passing. She and I were classmates at Westminster, both starting in the fall of ’93. Leila’s big heart, warm personality, and gregarious nature made her one of the most popular people on campus. She had many friends!  I’m happy to hear she impacted others by becoming an educator.  She will be missed…
Casey Hancox

November 30, 2025

Heart broken hearing sister Leila’s passing. She was absolutely a kind, loving champion for everyone. So happy to have spent time together over meals and with my family. I knew Leila mostly during their time at Bates and in Maine. You will missed. Until we meet again.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
Shaad Masood

November 30, 2025

I am so very sorry! Leila was one of my daughter’s favorite teachers at JP McCaskey. She taught with warmth, compassion, understanding, and humor. A beloved educator!
Rachel Gawn

November 30, 2025

To the family of our sweet Leila, from her Maine family: She had a golden heart. There was no one more deeply good than she. We will miss her so much. Eidie, who called her Auntie Leila, says “I remember one summer she came up on our porch and had this bag. And I asked her what was in it, and she was like stickers! And I was like oooohhh what kind? And she said giraffes! Which are my favorite animal. And then she gave them to me and I remember being so happy!” This is just one small example of how generous and thoughtful Leila was. We met at OSU in grad school, and then she ended up working in my hometown at both Bates and Lewiston High School, and this allowed us to grow our relationship over the years. She joined my family for a COVID Thanksgiving outside at my lake house in Maine in 2021 — which is where she took this beautiful selfie. She will be forever missed…I am sending her all my love on this next journey. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un
Andrea Breau

November 30, 2025

Sad to hear of her passing I met her a few times at events
What a beautiful human being 
Out condolences to the family
Khalid Salah

November 30, 2025

I was on Leila’s dissertation committee at Ohio State. Her concern for the wellbeing of all students–the undergraduates and her fellow graduate students–was of a piece with her scholarship, which was dedicated to building an audience for Arab-American writers and the voices of children and young adults in their work. She worked hard to claim a place for everyone and to make sure all were cared for. 
Dorothy Noyes

November 30, 2025

I am the mother of Leila’s “Roomie” while at Westminster College.  Your daughter meant so very much to my Amy and I could immediately see why.  She was such a caring and considerate girl.  She was so approachable, open and witty; it was just a joy being with her.  I am so sorry she has passed. As a mother, I can’t imagine such pain; God be with you.
Sincerely,
Sue Barley 

November 30, 2025

I was one of Leila’s high school French teachers. I always admired her desire to learn and to teach and was proud to welcome her into the teaching profession. It was gut-wrenching to open the newspaper this morning and see her obituary. My sincere condolences to your family and to all who knew and loved her. Del Bard

November 30, 2025

I am deeply saddened by Leila’s passing. She was my “roomie”, my friend, my sister. She taught me how strong a woman could be with her voice. She sought to understand and hold space for others, while fostering her own growth, which seemed limitless. Her intellect and passion for literature and well crafted written expression were inspiring to so many. Leila’s laugh was larger than life. I will miss you my roomie. Habiti 
Amy Barley

November 30, 2025

Leila and I Facetimed on Sunday, November 16, 2025, which we have been doing since we both left Ohio State. Leila was like no other. She was kind, brilliant, and selfless. She really loved teaching and mentoring. She poured everything into creating a beautiful world for her students. She will be greatly missed. Her friendship held me for years. She drove to NJ after I had experienced loss myself and sat with me. I love you so very much, Leila. May you rest you peace, love, and light. Condolences to the family. 
Yalidy Matos

November 30, 2025

Oh no, so sorry. Although I have not been in touch with Leila for a long time, I have fond memories of our time teaching at McCaskey. What an inspiring, smart, and kind human being we have lost. My sincere condolence.
Erika Miller

November 30, 2025

Leila was the very first person I met when I arrived in Columbus: she had volunteered to serve as a buddy/mentor to new English graduate students and I was so fortunate to have had her as mine. She was so very generous and warm-hearted — I grieve her loss with all who had the blessing of knowing her. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Michelle W

November 30, 2025

I am so saddened to hear of Leila’s passing. I had the privilege of being one of her many graduate school colleagues at OSU. Her kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in the people around her was and is a continual source of inspiration. Prayers for the family as you grieve such a profound loss.
Erin Shaull

November 30, 2025

Dearest Mouna and Habib,
I cannot express in words the profound sorrow I felt upon hearing the news of the loss of your daughter, Leila. Please accept my deepest sympathies and prayers. I hope that you can take some solace from the fact that she led a full and happy life and that now she is at peace in Paradise in the presence of God. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. 
Mike Esposito

November 30, 2025

Leila was quite simply put the nicest, kindest, warmest person I have ever known. She radiated a light and sincerity that is lost from this world. We were in graduate school together, and without her motivation I don’t think I could’ve finished. I had a young family and she loved my daughter, Zuri, as her own. She was part of the community we created around the family and she never asked for anything in return. She was so giving. I’m praying for the family–I’m so sorry for your loss. 
Brandon Manning

November 30, 2025

I’m so sorry and saddened to hear of Leila’s passing!!  I so enjoyed the opportunity to play basketball with her in high school.  It is no surprise that she went on into teaching, as she was always teaching us on and off the court!!!  My deepest condolences to the entire family!!
Sara Carroll

November 29, 2025

I am a professor at Ohio State. Leila was a student in my class, and then we kept in touch for many years. I will always remember her kindness, her intelligence, and her heart. So caring to every single person.  Thinking of Leila and sending love and strength to her family. 
Pranav Jani

November 29, 2025

I cannot find the right words to express how much I ache for all of you. I have so many great memories spent with your family! I love you.Nadyne

November 29, 2025

Sammy and family, my sincerest condolences in the loss of your loved one. Leila sounds like an incredible person and an amazing human being! ❤️ 
Kelly Ortlieb