Elizabeth Leavelle Bennett

Elizabeth (Libby) Leavelle Bennett, a longtime resident of Swarthmore, and more recently of Media, passed away on May 9 at Bryn Mawr Hospital. She was 74.

Raised in Stanford, California, Libby was the daughter of the late Arnaud Leavelle, a professor of political science, and Nancy Morgan, a teacher, actress, and poet. 

After graduating from Swarthmore College in 1969 with a bachelor’s in art history and receiving a J.D. from Villanova Law School in 1977, Libby practiced family law in and around Philadelphia for 40 years, earning a reputation for excellence, innovation, and professional integrity. She cared deeply about the rights of women and children in an unequal system; she broke new ground with her practice, which was focused on collaborative law; and her passionate advocacy for court reform at the state level brought her recognition as a leader. 

Libby’s vivid personality, courageous spirit, and irreverent, raucous laughter will be missed by everyone who knew her. She was a tireless fighter against injustice, an uninhibited dancer, a curious traveler, and an outspoken seeker of the truth. Libby maintained scores of friendships over the decades and doted on her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.

Libby is survived by her daughters Christina (Tina) Bennett and Elizabeth (Lisa) Bennett; her grandchildren, William Goodall, Spencer Harris, and Katie Harris; and her beloved younger sister Ardele Leavelle. She was predeceased by another sister, Kathy Leavelle.

A memorial service will be held privately.