Hope Jensen Leichter

Dr. Hope Jensen Leichter, 97, Professor of Education, Columbia University

Born on February 9, 1928, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, in Morrisville, Vermont. Hope pursued a life of scholarship earning a B.A. from Oberlin College (1950), and a Ph.D. at Harvard University (1959). Her academic journey led to a remarkable career as Professor of Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she taught for over six decades until retiring at age 95.

Hope was a pioneering scholar of family, community, and museum education, and collaborated with life-long friend Dr. William Mitchell (University of Vermont) and renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead. She mentored hundreds of graduate students, including Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Her influential publications include Kinship and Casework (1967), co-authored with Mitchell; The Family as Educator (1975); and Families and Communities as Educators (1979).

Hope's life extended far beyond academia. She was an adventurous spirit who loved to travel, swim, skate, hike, dance, garden, and enjoy the family's farmhouse in Wolcott, Vermont, that they have owned for over 60 years.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons Frederick (Jennifer), William (Helene), and James (Mizuho); grandchildren Alexander (Nicole), Claire (Lane), and Caroline DaRosa (Joseph); her brother Alfred Jensen Jr.; cousin Caroline Trippe; and many dear friends and colleagues.

A graveside service will be held on July 29, 2025, at 11am at Taylor Cemetery in Wolcott, Vermont.

Hope’s legacy lives on through the countless students she inspired and the family she adored. May her memory bring light and joy to all who knew her.

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