Leah Rae Fernald

Leah Rae Fernald, 88, of Torrance, CA, passed away on December 30, 2023. Leah was born on June 1, 1935, to Wilhelmina and Ross Gilhousen in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from Inglewood High School, she went on later in life to study Childhood Education at California State University Dominguez Hills, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1981.

In 1948, she met Loren, and they wed in 1951, going on to adopt three children: Michelle, Eric, and Melissa.

When Leah and Loren adopted Michelle, she decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. Leah excelled at propping up her children and grandchildren and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether that was career, life or spiritual choices Leah made it her mission to improve the lives of others.

Leah was a passionate gardener, crossword master and black belt puzzler and when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness, she could be found in her garden planting flowers and raising monarch butterflies.

We will miss her greatly.

Leah was predeceased by Michelle, Loren and both her parents. She is survived by Eric, Melissa, by her grandchildren Eric Jr and Tyler and by her great grandchildren Nikki, Ethan, and Caleb.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Harbor/UCLA Palliative Care Resource Program Fund. There will be a Celebration of Life on February 3, 2024, at The Redondo Beach Center for Spiritual Living, 907 Knob Hill Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.