Leslie Jo Goldsmith

As a child, she lived in multiple cities as her father worked for JCPenney's. She spent her middle and high school years in Kelso, Washington, where she was involved in several activities, including her church youth group, marching band, serving as an exchange student in Germany, working and moving up the ranks to checker at her uncle’s grocery store in Woodland, Washington, and waterskiing in the summer with her family members. She was fiercely independent and planned her own path in the world.

Leslie graduated with highest honors from the University of Puget Sound in 1966. She earned her degree in English, fueling her love of learning, words, and languages. Leslie was extremely bright and studied several other languages, as well, including Russian, Japanese, German, French, and Spanish.

She married James “Jim” Goldsmith shortly after graduation, and they served in the Peace Corps in Nigeria for the next two years. Leslie and her husband became a united unit during this time and spent the next 59 years together.

In 1968, Leslie and Jim returned to Oregon and settled in the Portland area. Their daughter Lisa was born later that year, and Cheryl completed the family in 1973. Throughout the years, the family enjoyed cooking together, camping trips throughout the summer, and fishing.

Leslie began a little antique shop in the living room of their home and eventually opened The Den of Antiquity in Sellwood in the early 1970s. Jim joined the business full-time a few years later, and they owned the shop until their retirement in 2007. Throughout the years, they enjoyed doing antique shows and estate sales. For a number of years, she wrote articles for The Oregonian about antiques, refinishing furniture, and answering readers’ questions. Leslie was involved with many committees and groups while they lived in Westmoreland, in addition to owning their shop in Sellwood.

She was a lifelong learner who excelled at whatever she put her mind to. This included researching items for the shop, staying updated on world events, and becoming a skilled seamstress, creating her daughters’ wedding dresses and a variety of hand-sewn quilts. She had a knack for creativity that made people feel loved and supported. This also included her handwritten notes that were sent throughout the years.

Leslie and her husband were also members of the Clackamette Mineral & Gem Club. They collected rocks and participated in rock shows. Their love of rockhounding was shared with all of their grandchildren, looking for thunder eggs and obsidian in Central Oregon or agates on the Oregon Coast.

After retirement, Jim and Leslie enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and grandchildren. They were able to go to New Orleans, Belize, Peru, and Costa Rica with friends and to New Zealand to see family.

Christmas was important to Leslie. Every year, she made Christmas cookies with her grandchildren, baking a large variety of treats to be enjoyed with family, neighbors, and friends. Decorating the house was a multi-day process. She was the one to purchase matching Christmas pajamas for the youngest members of the family, and they were the only present to be opened on Christmas Eve. The traditions she established will live on.

Leslie took up quilting and proved to be exceptionally talented. She hand-quilted all of her quilts, usually in front of the television at night, so she didn't fall asleep! Leslie and her daughter, Cheryl, shared this hobby, enjoying multiple quilting retreats and collaborating on designs.

Jim and Leslie moved to Keizer, Oregon, in 2012. They purchased a place at the beach and enjoyed time in Keizer and Newport.

Leslie was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about six years ago. Despite her condition, she remained upbeat and positive, finding ways to communicate and show her love to others. Leslie discovered new outlets for her creativity, filling out coloring pages and painting artwork for others to enjoy. She enjoyed sharing stories and was known for her kindness. In addition, she was characterized by the gratefulness she expressed for her family.

Leslie passed away on October 13, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Jim, of 59 years, her daughters Lisa (Phil) Fenter of Lewiston, Idaho, and Cheryl (Stas) Stavrianeas of Salem, and grandchildren Lynsey Fenter, Leah Stavrianeas, Drew Fenter, and Sophia Stavrianeas. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.