Elaine Thompson Leslie

Born in Winchester, Idaho, and raised on a farm in Nezperce, Elaine’s life was marked by adventure, compassion, and unwavering faith.

A 1945 graduate of Nezperce High School, Elaine moved west to Seattle to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse at Seattle University (Cadet Nurse Training), at Columbus Hospital (St. Francis, Cabrini).

It was there that she met a charming Air Force pilot, Earl Leslie. Despite her declaration that she intended to be a mid-wife on horseback in the Ozark Mountains, Earl’s commitment to supporting her dreams won her over. They were married soon after, beginning a journey together that would last over 66 years.

Elaine and Earl’s travels took them from Seattle to Ogden, UT (Hill Air Force Base), then to St. Louis, IL (Scott Air Force Base), and back to Seattle, where Earl served in the military reserves and spent 47 years with Northwest Bell. During this time, Elaine worked as a nurse at several hospitals on “Pill Hill” in Seattle, as well as the medical department at Frederick & Nelson Department Store.

Together, they raised two daughters, Robin and Christy, and later welcomed two foster daughters, Debbie and Melody, into their loving home.

No matter where they lived, Elaine and Earl’s doors—and hearts—were always open to those in need.

In 1976, Elaine began a new chapter in her life when she moved her mother into King’s Garden nursing home. Her frequent volunteering soon led to a position, which ultimately opened the door to her lifelong mission of serving others around the world. She became the Director of Medicines for Missions for World Concern and later, manager of World Concern Supply Services. In 1981, World Concern sent Elaine to Somalia in order to help set up a refugee camp of 60,000 people.

Other missions led Elaine to over 24 countries, from Africa to Lebanon, to Ukraine, and beyond.

In the 90’s she established the Ukrainian/Baltic States program. She worked with the Ukrainian Goodwill Mission and helped reach those who were still suffering the effects of the Chernobyl disaster. An annual summer Bible camp for children in need, where many gave their lives to Jesus, was a highlight of her time there.

Her last mission trip was in the summer of 2003, at the age of 76. Her path left an indelible mark on countless lives around the world and she cherished every relationship made. As her devoted husband Earl once said, when asked about keeping up with her many endeavors:

“It would be a shame to cage such a beautiful butterfly.”

In 2001, Elaine and Earl moved to Cristwood Park Retirement Community in Shoreline, where they continued to volunteer, travel, and embrace life. After Earl’s passing in 2014, Elaine remained at Cristwood for another full decade, surrounded by a wonderful community that brought her great joy.

Elaine will be remembered for her charismatic way with people, her sense of humor, her leadership, her cheerful encouragement, her boundless compassion, and her unshakable faith.

She lived life with purpose—to serve wherever God placed her, and to always move forward in love and kindness.

She is survived by her daughters (Robin Rosengren and Christy Dahms), grandchildren (Debbie Payne, Sheila Eichele, Kevin Rearden, Nicole Hutmacher, Amanda Archibald, Trinity Witt and Michael Hoey), many great-grandchildren, and a host of friends whom she considered family.

A memorial to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, February 15, at 1:00 PM in the Cristwood Park Activity Center, Shoreline, WA. All are welcome to attend.

Memorial contributions may be made to World Concern or Christian Veterinary Mission (CVM), two organizations Elaine supported throughout her life’s work.