Leslie Cathleen Hoop

On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, Leslie Cathleen Hoop, 67, of Carson, passed away at Harbor UCLA Medical Center after a heroic year-long battle with cancer. She will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.

Leslie is survived by her two children, Lisa (Rob) Johnson and Jason (Nicole) Cairns, both of Lakewood, CA; her sister, Linda Rusch of Bentonville, Arkansas; her brothers, Scott Hoyer of Torrance, and Mark (Bob) Hoyer of Las Vegas, NV; her beloved partner, Gary Bryant, of Carson; two nieces, Beth Hall of Fayetteville, AR and Jennifer Frambes of Las Vegas, NV and one nephew, Sam Rusch of Rogers, AR; and six grandchildren, Kacey (Mitch) Frost, Kelly Jo Warner, Fin Johnson, Hunter Cairns, Dean Cairns and Trent Cairns. Leslie was preceded in death by her brother, Steven Kerr Hoyer, and sister, Michelle Marie Frazier and parents Betty Jane Hoyer and Roy Mahlon Hoyer.

Leslie enjoyed a full and wonderful life that included successes in business and raising a family. She graduated from West Torrance High School in 1966 and worked in restaurants most of her life. In 1984, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of being a restauranteur when she opened Tomaine Tommy’s in Belmont Shore. She later worked a District Recruiter for Denny’s in La Mirada and as an Office Manager for General Electric. Most recently, Leslie enjoyed being one of the “gals” working at Mulberry Cottage, a South Bay gift shop.

Leslie was an avid and accomplished horticulturalist who had a special talent with African violets, dozens of which adorned her home and seemed forever in bloom. She loved all sorts of games, especially when she played with her family – both around the table and online. She also had a great love of dancing, especially square dancing and country western line dancing. Of her many accomplishments, Leslie was most proud of being a loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Her grandchildren affectionately called her “Nunu”.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to Gary Bryant for selflessly taking care of her during her illness.

As per her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the home of her granddaughter Kacey Frost on May 9 at 4:00pm. Leslie wanted her friends and family to celebrate her life so please do not wear black, please wear beautiful spring colors in her honor.