Obituary of Jill Amanda Leckey

Jill Leckey lost her longtime fight against Eosinophilic Disease on May 24, 2023. She was 41 years old. 

Jill was born on November 10, 1981, in Pittsburgh, PA.  She most recently received her Doctorate in Nursing from UNC Chapel Hill on May 12, 2023.  She received her BA in Romance Languages and a BSN in Nursing, also from UNC Chapel Hill.  Jill was also an accomplished professional Pastry Chef having graduated from The French Culinary Institute in New York City. 

Between her years of studies, Jill worked several jobs in a variety of fields.  She worked for Jacques Torres Chocolates in NYC, Confetti Cakes in NYC, and she was the wedding cake designer, baker and chocolatier for Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, NC.  In addition, Jill taught Pastry Arts at Wake Tech in Raleigh, NC.  After moving on to a career in nursing, Jill worked in the cardiac OR at UNC hospital which led to her doctoral studies. 

Jill was an avid runner and completed many races, most notably the NYC Marathon to celebrate her 30th birthday and to raise money for CURED (Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease). That was Jill. She didn’t just run the race, she made sure to help others in the process. 

In her spare time, when she had any, Jill enjoyed baking for friends, volunteering to raise money for her favorite charities by sewing quilts and donating hand-made dog collars, leashes and bows. She loved rollercoasters and especially going to Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh with friends and family. She also appreciated a good true-crime drama, especially Dateline. From middle school until present day, Jill loved playing the oboe and had been part of a UNC community orchestra. 

In recent years, Eosinophilic Disease left Jill unable to enjoy a lot of her favorite food and drinks. To honor her, go enjoy a pizza with a good beer or red wine. Sip a gin and tonic with a friend. Savor a good meal with loved ones and spare a thought for Jill. She’d love that. 

Jill is survived by her parents, Bruce and Cindy Leckey, her twin sister Courtney Schoultz and husband Nils, and was beloved “Auntie Jill” to Kurt and Ella. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Jill’s beloved dog Lucy, who she rescued 2-1/2 years ago, now resides with her grandparents, Bruce and Cindy.

A celebration of Jill’s life will be held in the near future.

Memorials may be made to either CUREDFOUNDATION.ORG (Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease) or SAVINGGRACENC.ORG (The rescue where Jill found Lucy). 

Many have asked what they can do. Jill would want you to go out and be kind and compassionate to others. That’s how she lived her life. 

Thank you to everyone for their kind words, prayers and thoughts. 

Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill has been assisting the family.