Leslie Ann Cole, 72, passed away on June 3, 2024 in Olympia, WA after a fierce battle with cancer. Born in Chicago, Leslie was the daughter of Rosemary (Boulton) and Francis T. Cole. Leslie lived and worked in Washington for decades. She enjoyed nature, falling in love with Washington’s natural assets including the animals, beaches, mountains, forests and ocean. She adored her many pets. Like some pet owners, Leslie believed that pets cross a rainbow bridge when they die. She hoped that she might reunite with her pets, especially with her beloved dog, Lilly.
Leslie’s love and caring for those who cannot fend for themselves extended beyond animals. She worked decades assisting severely developmentally disabled adults acquire their best possible lives outside of institutions. As was her way, she did this without fanfare. She preferred a quiet life. In retirement she loved her home, reading, caring for her animals, cooking and relaxing. In her youth she enjoyed hiking, camping and proudly kayaked the Juan De Fuca Strait on a whale watching and camping expedition.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Blair, brother Kevin Cole and his wife Bobbi, brother Jim Cole and his wife Karen, sister Rebecca Cole and her husband Ken Barnd, niece Kristin Cole, nephews Jesse and Elijah Cole, stepson Nate Blair and his wife Amanda Feeney, and by her first husband Gary Peniston. Leslie preferred not to have a memorial. Per her wishes, her ashes will be scattered where the Strait meets the Pacific Ocean.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.1