In Honor of Jodi LeBel Beloved Mother and Veteran

Dear Friends,

We are writing to you today to ask for your help in honoring the memory of our beloved mother, Jodi LeBel. Jodi passed away suddenly at the young age of 50 due to complications from her lifelong battle with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Jodi was an amazing woman, and a dedicated mother who loved her children, Michael, Zachary, and Amanda. Although Amanda was adopted, she was very close with her boys who unfortunately had to go through foster care during their youth.

Jodi had a difficult life, facing multiple health challenges including diabetes, severe depression, and PTSD from traumatic experiences in her twenties. Despite these struggles, Jodi never lost her determination, resilience, and commitment to helping others. Jodi served in the United States Navy from 1992 to 2000, earning the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class as an electrical engineer. She was part of the first wave of enlisted females sent to the fleet.

Jodi's dedication to education was exemplary. She enrolled at Quinsigamond Community College and was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa in the fall of 2010. She took over as Vice President of Leadership and within months became the President. Jodi was instrumental in leading the chapter to its first five-star chapter development level and initiating Facebook to implement Phi Theta Kappa's Leadership Development course as part of Cohort 7. Jodi always found time to help others, teaching basic PC courses in the public library for the Central Mass Housing Alliance. She was passionate about encouraging others about the importance of regaining their independence.

Jodi was a conscientious, concerned, hardworking, and dedicated student leader. She earned Psi Beta National Honor Society in Psychology for Community Colleges and the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar. Jodi was accepted into many four-year institutions such as Smith, Boston University, and UMass Boston. She planned to graduate with her son Mike, who also attended UMASS Boston. Jodi wanted to earn her degree in Computer Engineering Forensics.

After her time at Quinsigamond Community College, Jodi took on a role as a store associate for Staples Inc. Within a very short period of time, she was able to work her way up the ladder to becoming a Tech Supervisor. Just as dedicated as she was in school, she was very well respected and looked up to in her position at Staples. During the time of her employment, she was also administrating the estate of another deceased relative, who we were very close with. Our beloved great uncle Francis J. Strenk Jr. of New York & Massachusetts.

Jodi was an inspiration to other women, mothers, and veterans who may relate to her circumstances. We are grateful to those who knew Jodi and were touched by her kindness and dedication to helping others. We would be deeply appreciative of any donations to help cover the funeral and other miscellaneous expenses associated with Jodi's passing.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Jodi's life and accomplishments. Your kindness and generosity would mean a lot to our family.

Stay awesome,

Michael & Zachary