Leslie Barna
Leslie Barna was born and raised in East Brooklyn and actively remained a member of the
Gardner-South Wilmington Community throughout her entire life. As the daughter of two GSW
Panther alumni: William & Estelle Sorensen, it wasn't long before she became a standout
Panther athlete, lettering in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Her experiences at GSW helped
shape her into the woman she became.
After graduation, Leslie began her remarkable nursing journey, first by graduating from Joliet
Junior College, followed by two additional years at Olivet Nazarene University where she
obtained her Bachelor's in Science of Nursing. The first place she utilized her newly issued
degree was at Loyola University Medical Center, all while working towards the additional
academic distinction of a Master's Degree in Administrative Nursing.
As Leslie advanced through the various milestones of her career, she never failed to make an
impact on each patient, nurse, or staff person she interacted with. Leslie was a fierce advocate
for all the patients she cared for, sometimes even at the detriment of her own career. Everybody
who knew Leslie would say that she was unmovably stubborn in situations where the right thing
to do was not always the easy thing to do. This passionate mindset combined with her insatiable
work ethic was the catalyst to her many achievements in her respective nursing field of
neurology. She was instrumental in the development of three top of the line stroke care
programs at Loyola, Rush Copley, & St. Joseph's medical centers. Her diligent service led to
numerous accolades including being recognized as a Gift of Hope Lifesaving Partner (awarded
for her contributions to saving and improving lives through organ and tissue donation) and
having the Barna Brain Award named in her honor (for her contributions to the prevention, care,
and awareness in the stroke care field). These awards cemented her legacy in the nursing field
but were ultimately not the motivation for her contributions. All things aside, the reason Leslie
was the nurse she was comes down to her genuine love of caring for others and her ability to
stand up for what she believed in.
As much as Leslie was passionate for her career, it never compared to the love she had for her
two daughters, Sophie & Celia. With all her career obligations, she never failed to seize the
opportunity to support her daughters and her numerous GSW kids she accepted into her web of
support. She never missed a game, cheered on the band, & supported the plays. She drove
many miles, with packed cars of kids whether rain or shine. You could always hear Leslie in the
stands. Leslie truly bled orange & black, she wore her GSW panther gear proudly.
Unfortunately, Leslie is no longer physically with us today, but rather is with all of us in the way
she touched our lives, helped us become better people, and taught us how to care for one
another. Her tangible contributions to GSW will be missed, but the legacy she left will continue
to shape the community for generations to come.