Tonya Leisa Karanjia

Dr. Leisa Karanjia (née Napier), aged 62, passed away on July 7, 2024, in Moorestown, New Jersey. Born on April 12, 1962, in Huntington, West Virginia, Leisa was a beloved figure in the public education community, a pillar of the Moorestown community and an enthusiastic supporter of lifelong learning. Her children lovingly refer to her as a local celebrity. Leisa embarked on her educational journey at Ashland High School and then earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo, becoming the first person in her family to graduate from college. Her passion for education led her to obtain a Master's degree from Kent State University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University. Throughout her illustrious career, Leisa touched many lives as an Elementary School Teacher in Ohio, California, and New Jersey, later advancing to roles as Assistant Principal at Crichton Elementary in Pemberton Township, and Principal at Glenview Elementary in Haddon Heights. In 1998, she became Principal at South Valley Elementary school a place she devoted the next 20 years of her life, creating sunshine for students, faculty, and staff. She encountered thousands of students, memorizing each name and remembering it long after students had moved on to the next school. Her greatest gift was getting to be principal for her own two children. She was driven by kindness and a determination to help each student enjoy school and learning, most especially, reading. Post-retirement, she continued to inspire as an Education Instructor at Rowan College at Burlington County finding a new love for teaching soon-to-be educators. Leisa was the life of the party, known for her loud laugh and her innate ability to connect with people both young and old. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed walking, practicing yoga, shopping a good sale, and cheering for her favorite sports teams from Cleveland, Ohio State, and Philadelphia. Her travels and times at the beach were cherished moments of her life. Leisa was the loving wife of Homyar Karanjia and a devoted mother to Allison and Alex Karanjia. She is survived by her mother, Bonnie Napier; parents-in-law, Noshir and Nergish Karanjia; brothers, Keith (Jill) Napier and Kevin (Renée) Napier; sister-in-law, Banoo Karanjia; nephews, Daniel (Taylor) Napier, Luke (Ashley) Napier, Drake Napier; niece, Hope (HL) Walker; great-nephews, James Napier, Henry Napier, Luca Walker; and her beloved pets, Elvis, Khaleesi, and Parker. She was preceded in death by her father, Bobbie Napier. Visitation 4-5 pm Friday , July 12, 2024 at the South Valley Elementary School Auditorium, 210 South Stanwick Road, Moorestown, NJ 08057. A memorial service will be held at 5 pm on Friday at the School. Interment will be private. Please consider bringing a copy of your favorite children's book for donation in her honor. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the World Literacy Fund at https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/](https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/) to honor Leisa's lifelong commitment to education and literacy. Leisa's legacy will continue to influence and inspire future generations.