Leslie Marie Kerig, 57, of Ridge, MD, died Saturday, September 25, 2010 at the St. Mary's Hospice House from complications following surgery. Leslie was born in Cumberland, MD on May 21, 1953, the first child of Joseph D. and Ruth Lee Carter.

She was a graduate of St. Mary's Academy, Leonardtown, MD, St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, MD and received her Master's Degree in history from Goddard College, VT with study focusing on the Vietnam War. Leslie married George Robert Kerig on September 6, 1976, in Our Lady's Church, Leonardtown, MD. Her proudest achievement was her accomplished daughter Erin. George Robert and Leslie Kerig retired to Ridge, MD in 2005 after 30 years of residence in Alexandria, VA.

Leslie had a 25 year career with the Catholic Diocese of Arlington teaching at St. Thomas More Cathedral School and Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School. She taught pottery for several years at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center for the City of Alexandria, VA. In retirement, Leslie was a costumed interpreter for historic St. Mary's City, Maryland.

Leslie is survived by her husband, George Robert Kerig of Ridge, MD, their daughter Erin M. Nielsen, her husband Ben and their three children Emma, Jake, and Abigail of Lorton, VA, her mother Ruth Lee Carter of Leonardtown, MD, and her sister Mary Karen Newstadt of Palmyra, PA, as well as brothers in law, sisters in law and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews located throughout the United States.

She is predeceased by her father, Joseph D. Carter, 1985.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 11:00-12:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home chapel with a Memorial Service at 12:00PM with Fr. Stephen Carter officiating.

Donations may be made in memory of Leslie Marie Kerig to the Ridge Vol. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 456, Ridge, MD 20680 or Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.