Leslie Hinthorn Fantelli

Leslie Allene Hinthorn Fantelli, beloved teacher, outdoor enthusiast, accomplished cook, and devoted wife, sister, mother, and friend passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on June 20, 2024. Leslie was surrounded by loved ones at her home in Pebble Beach, CA. Leslie courageously battled an extremely rare, aggressive, unrelenting and unforgiving leukemia.

Leslie was born December 26, 1944, in Norfolk Virginia to Bernice Lucille Hartman and James Leslie Hinthorn. Leslie spent her childhood in Hudson, Illinois with her younger brother James. Leslie attended Illinois State University (undergraduate degree) and Cleveland State University (graduate degree).

Leslie’s teaching career spanned over three decades teaching Special Education and World History at the elementary and middle school level. Leslie’s classroom was a place of inspiration and learning, where her kindness and patience left an indelible mark on generations of students.

Beyond her profession, Leslie found solace and joy in nature. An avid hiker and walker, she could often be found exploring the trails of her favorite national parks or California coastlines, where the beauty of the wilderness mirrored the peace she carried within. Her adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors inspires many of the memories left behind.

In the kitchen, Leslie delighted and excelled in preparing meals that brought people together, combining flavors with creativity and love. Whether it was a holiday feast or a simple weekday dinner, Leslie’s cooking was a reflection of her generosity and nurturing spirit.

Leslie cherished her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband Floyd, sister to James (Pam), and a loving mother to her children and their cherished spouses; Ted Willke (Cindi), Bradford Willke (Tara) and Emily Fantelli Swanson (Rob). Leslie took great pride in her grandchildren, commonly referred to as her ‘treasures’, Lydia and Jack.

Leslie will be fondly remembered for her warmth, compassion, and her unwavering kindness. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and adventure that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. In death, her love for nature continues as she’s chosen an ‘earth burial’ where her remains will be composted and returned to the earth to fertilize trees on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.

A celebration of life will be planned for family and friends to attend later this year. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made to the following organizations important to Leslie: The World Central Kitchen (www.wck.org) or the Bozeman Warming Center (www.thehrdc.org/donate -please use the comment area on the donation page to indicate that the donation amount should to be directed to the warming center).

Leslie’s spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and students whose lives she touched with her wisdom, compassion, and zest for life. May she live on in us through treasured memories of nature and being outdoors, cooking meals that bring joy, and cherishing time with friends and family.