Helen Louise Leslie

Our beloved friend, and mother, Helen Louise Leslie, age 86, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Arden Courts in Palm Harbor, Florida, after a prolonged struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Helen was born on January 21, 1930, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Orville and Grace Major. Helen grew up in Kokomo, and enjoyed many hobbies including golf, bridge, hiking, and, her specialty, cooking. She loved to host and entertain and frequently had parties. She had a way of always making people feel welcome at our home and treating everyone like family. It was a home filled with love and we will never forget her passion for life and family. Helen and her sister, Norma-Jean spent most of their summers growing up on Lake Schaffer. Helen was also an animal lover, and was rarely without at least one pet in the house. In 1948, Helen married the love of her life, John D. Leslie. Through his work, they moved from Kokomo to Hartford, CT, to Westwood, NJ, then back to Kokomo where their children grew up. Later, they moved to Detroit, MI, to Toledo, OH, and when John retired in 1990, and they moved to the Tampa Bay area in order to be close to their children and grandchildren. Her children and grandchildren were her passion and she leaves behind four children: Susan, Cherie, Scott, and Steve. She also has five amazing and loving grandchildren: Joe, Megan, Chris, Jason, and Nikki. Helen was the best mother and grandmother anyone could ever hope for. The family would like to thank all of those at Arden Courts who provided her care of the past three years and Suncoast Hospice for her final journey being so peaceful. There will be a private service for family and close friends on Monday, October 10, at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to either the Humane Society, or Suncoast Hospice.