Lea Ann Ekman (née Kowacz) passed away shortly after sunrise on February 18, 2024, in Dagsboro, DE. She was born on November 9, 1946, in Rhinelander, WI, to the late S. James & Edna Kowacz. She attended Upper St. Clair High School in southern Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, followed by a year at Stubenville College. She graduated from Penn State University with a BSN in 1969.

Lea began her illustrious career, starting as a Registered Nurse at Cook County Public Health in Chicago, IL. In 1972 she married, and her daughters Erika and Lesley were born in 1973 and 1975, respectively. After divorcing in 1977, she went on to serve as the Director of Emergency Management in both the City & County of Denver and Weld County, Colorado.

Lea went back to night school, graduating with a Masters in Public Administration in 1988 from the University of Colorado. She and her girls relocated to the Washington, D.C. area where she worked for various government agencies including FEMA, DOT, and DOE. At the age of 50, she returned to night school obtaining her law degree and working for the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee until she retired and moved to Dagsboro in 2014.

She is also survived by her daughters and her grand-daughter, Gwyn, as well as her twin sister, Lynn Skilton, and her younger sister Leslie Jean. Lea will be remembered for her beauty, determination, and dedication to education.

Outside of work, Lea enjoyed running, kayaking, weaving, and quilting. Her retirement was filled with new friends, travel, and a renewed passion for fiber arts. A Celebration of Life is planned for family and close friends in May to honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Best Friends Animal Society at www.bestfriends.org. Rest in peace, Lea. You will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved you.

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