Deanna B. Leite

Born August 13, 1952, in Medicine Lodge, Kansas, Deanna Benefiel Leite graced this world with her loving, adventurous spirit until her passing on April 30, 2017. Whether she was tending to an injured animal, competing on jump courses with her beloved horses, or sharing moments with friends and family, Deanna always sought to serve. Even during her six-year battle with dementia, she often mused that she wanted to be the one helping others rather than others helping her.

Deanna spent most of her elementary school years in Kansas before moving to Pampa, Texas, with her family in the sixties. Her high school years found her playing flute and twirling in the band. She graduated from Pampa High School in 1970, going on to earn a Basic Business Degree from West Texas State University of Business in 1972.

Deanna was introduced to her future husband, Dave, by mutual friends in the late seventies. Their official first date was to an Emmylou Harris concert, an occasion commemorated by the framed tickets that still set on their dresser. Over their 36 years of marriage, Deanna and Dave offered a home to an abundance of cats and horses.

Deanna's career spanned years working as a bookkeeper and accountant for a number of private firms and ultimately for the state of Texas, but by far, her passion was her years working at Animal Medical Center in Austin. After completing a one-year continuing education program for Veterinary Technician in 1982, Deanna was able to do what she seemed born to do—tend to animals.

Deanna is survived by her husband, David Leite of Manor; her father-in-law, Val Leite of Austin; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Valorie and Scott Carson of Leander; her niece Rachel Carson and husband Andrew Cole of Montclair, NJ; her niece Rebecca Shah and her husband Nirav Shah of Austin; her great niece; two great nephews; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and the dearest of friends. Her hugs will be sorely missed.

Deanna is preceded in death by her father, Wallace Benefiel of Harlingen; her mother, Frances Benefiel of Harlingen;her mother-in-law, June Leite of Austin and a host of beloved horses and cats.

Deanna's life will be celebrated on Saturday, May 20, at 1:00 p.m. at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Dress is casual. If Deanna were here, she'd tell everyone to wear their “barn clothes.” In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to the Austin Humane Society or to the Alzheimer's Association in her memory.