Elizabeth (Libby) Leavelle Bennett, age 74, a longtime resident of Swarthmore and more recently of Media, PA, passed away on May 9, 2021, at Bryn Mawr hospital.
Raised in Stanford, CA, Libby was the daughter of the late Arnaud Leavelle, a professor of Political Science, and Nancy Morgan, a teacher, actress, and poet. Libby was the mother of Christina (Tina) Bennett and Elizabeth (Lisa) Bennett, and a beloved older sister to Ardele Leavelle and Kathy Leavelle (predeceased).
After graduating from Swarthmore College in 1969 with a B.A. in Art History and receiving a J.D. from Villanova Law School in 1977, Libby practiced family law in and around Philadelphia for 40 years, earning a reputation for excellence, innovation, and professional integrity. She cared deeply about the rights of women and children in an unequal system, broke new ground with her practice in collaborative law, and was recognized as a leader for her passionate advocacy for court reform at the state level.
Libby’s vivid personality, courageous spirit, and irreverent, raucous laughter will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was a tireless fighter of injustice, an uninhibited dancer, a curious traveler, and an outspoken seeker of the truth. Libby maintained scores of friendships over the decades and doted on her grandchildren (William Goodall, Spencer Harris, and Katie Harris). She will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held privately.
Online condolences: www.donohuefuneralhome.com
Arrg. by: THE DONOHUE FUNERAL HOME, Newtown Square, PA
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Michael S. Fields
Libby was a good friend. I will miss her greatly, her energy, her sense of humor, her contrarian ways, her sense of justice, and so many more things about her.
Emily Albrink (Hartigan)
At a college full of vivid individuals, Libby was an indelible spirit. She and I traded refuge through the years, and I always learned (not always all she wanted). She pursued Truth through all the labyrinthian means in her considerable networks, and the internet --- always passionate for justice. As her father taught at Swarthmore, she was imprinted with Minding the Light, but the fierceness was hers.
Emily Brower (Bonney)
Libby and I shared the apartment on Harvard Avenue junior year - entertaining lavishly and paying for our sins when we ran out of money by living on baked potatoes for the month of December. She was indeed ferocious and always a champion for justice. I will miss her greatly.
Roberta R. Welte
Libby was super intelligent, classy and sophisticated but most of all I loved her laugh!
Susan Knotter (Walton)
What a loss for our class, for all who knew Libby! I love all the photos people sent in-- they capture her gusty spirit and zest for living. And yes, I can hear her great laugh in my head!
Libby was like a Mother Bear, fiercely protective. She took me in to stay at her house one reunion, and we all talked nonstop. Her generous warmth, passion for advocacy and bright curiosity have stayed with me ever since.
Clement (Kim) Tingley '67
Ahhh... Libby. I amgoing to miss you. One of the many ways you loved life was your love of dancing. Let us dance together in the great beyond....
Robert E. Bartkus
Sue's comments are so true. I always enjoyed our talks and honor her dedication to law and justice. But with a fun-loving spirit.
Jay Ross Kaplan
Libby put sparkle in my freshman year when everything else was so intimidating.
John J. Seidenfeld
Libby seemed to know me when I did not know myself. Always smiling,inquisitive,and loving.. She was a blessing to all in her presence.
Richard L. Gregor
Libby will be sorely missed. So sorry to hear this.