Leslie Prosak-Beres

It is with great sadness that the Beres family announces the passing of Dr. Leslie Ann Prosak-Beres on Wednesday, May 12, 2021.

Leslie was born on January 7, 1952 in Lorain, Ohio. She grew up in South Lorain and attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (now St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish). She was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s High School and went on to receive all three advanced degrees at Heidelberg College, Bowling Green State University, and the University of Toledo, culminating in her Ph.D in Higher Education.

After starting her professional career teaching in the Lorain City Schools, Leslie continued her work in higher education as a faculty member at Defiance College in their Education department. In 1988, she joined the faculty at Xavier University in their School of Education teaching in the Department of Childhood Literacy and Reading. Leslie’s passion was touching the lives of her many students over the years through her love of Children’s Literature. For over 20 years, Leslie directed a summer reading program which worked with a variety of youth and K-12 teachers throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. Leslie retired from Xavier in 2020.

Dr. Prosak-Beres is survived by her beloved son, Jon Beres (Christina). Additionally, she is survived by many cousins and extended family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Richard Joseph Beres, and parents Theodore and Helen (nee Niczky) Prosak.

Final interment will be at a private ceremony at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp., Ohio. A celebration of Dr. Prosak-Beres’ life is being planned for a later date at Xavier University.  Dovin Funeral & Cremation Specialists handled the arrangements.  To send online condolences go to www.dovinfcs.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to the Prosak-Beres Endowed Scholarship for Graduate Literacy at Xavier University, http://www.xavier.edu/giving (in other section type Leslie Prosak-Beres), or send to 3800 Victory Parkway, Attn: University Relations, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207.