Mary Leiker

Mary Leiker has spent her life developing others. As a teacher, counselor and superintendent, in Michigan and Colorado, she continued to teach new ideas that would help others lead a more successful life. Now, retired after 38 years in education, she has decided to share her life challenges, involving loss, in the hope that the lessons she has learned will be of benefit to others and give them strength.

Mary has experienced innumerable losses in her life including death, divorce and suicide. Her greatest loss was that of her 36 year old son in May,1999 from a tragic accident. She has been investigating the topic of grief and loss for over 30 years. It has been a passionate journey for her. In her book, JUST BEHIND THE DOOR, she shares a decade of transcribed communication from her son, mother and sister who have passed on.

Her story is riveting, shocking and even funny at times. This poignant story will give hope to those who are struggling and reassurance to those who are seeking. The door between our worlds is not intended to keep us separate from our loved ones. The possibility of reconnecting with them is real - and Mary's story demonstrates it! Our loved ones are eagerly waiting to have us open the doors of our minds and reconnect with them.

Mary is now a Hospice volunteer and lives in Peoria, Arizona with her dog, Buddy.