Leslie Kissinger-Houang

Leslie Kissinger-Houang, age 67, of East Lansing, MI passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024 after a four year battle with colon cancer. She died peacefully in her home in East Lansing, surrounded by her loved ones.

Leslie was born in Concord, CA, January 16, 1957 to Louis LaVerne Kissinger and Adeline Lois Johnson. She attended Concord High School, and continued her educational journey at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Michigan State University, where she earned her master's degree in computer science.

Leslie married the love of her life, Dr. Richard Houang on August 25, 1979, in Santa Barbara, CA. The couple met at university, where Leslie studied Comparative Literature. After their wedding, they moved to East Lansing, MI, where Richard had been hired to teach at Michigan State University. Leslie took pride in the home they purchased in 1981, a residence she lovingly remodeled with the expertise of her brother, Jim, a talented architect.

Leslie dedicated her life to her family, her career, and her passions, and brought joy to those fortunate enough to know her. Her professional career as a systems analyst at Michigan State University spanned 25 years, earning a longevity award for her tenure.

Leslie's life was punctuated by remarkable achievements, but none more profound than the birth of her daughter Maegan who was Leslie’s pinnacle of pride and joy. A creative soul who was devoted to motherhood and loved children, Leslie constantly created memorable experiences for them to enjoy – such as meticulously planning themed birthday parties that included an elaborate crocodile tube and hand-painted Peter Pan inspired portraits.

Nobody will forget that one Halloween when Leslie turned their home into a haunted house with a mystical fortune teller, an array of spooky activities, and a cackling witch that flew down the stairs when you entered the house, all for the delight of the neighborhood children.

Leslie took immense pride in her daughter Maegan and her son-in-law Henry, who are both accomplished filmmakers in Los Angeles. She provided Maegan with a rich, imaginative childhood, and encouraged her daughter in all her pursuits from math and science to writing to playing viola and piano.

A woman of eclectic interests, Leslie was an avid reader and belonged to multiple book clubs. She was a die-hard 49ers fan and though devastated to see them lose the Superbowl, she was thrilled by their phenomenal run this year. She loved dogs, evident in the many furry companions she cared for over the years - Shana, Lindsey, Moka, Osa, Max, Oliver and Sammy. She had a passion for storytelling and TV shows such as Game of Thrones and Perry Mason.

Leslie’s personality was a harmonious blend of strength, tenacity, kindness, and generosity. She held herself and others to high standards, continuously striving for excellence. Always empathetic and concerned about the world, Leslie advocated for the unhoused and the needy, sharing her compassionate spirit in small and large actions.

In her final days, Leslie joked that she was living like “a queen at Lilac Manor,” with her family devoted to granting her every wish and whim. Wanting to create a heartfelt gift for the future grandchildren she longed to meet, Leslie spent her final months writing stories about her dogs, and forging a beautiful and lasting legacy. Though gone too soon, Leslie's courage and love endure in the hearts of those fortunate to have known her. Her family misses her and will always remember her as a dreamer who envisioned a brighter future for herself and loved ones.

Leslie is survived by her husband of 45 years, Richard Houang; daughter Maegan (Henry Kaplan) Houang; brother Jim (Cathy) Kissinger; nieces Heather, Amy, Anne and Angela and their families; nephew Jamie and his family; and her two dogs Oliver and Sammy. She joins her beloved sister Lynn, her dearest mother Adeline, and her step-father Del and father Louis in heaven.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00am with a visitation one hour prior at Edgewood United Church 469 N Hagadorn Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Haven House https://havenhouseel.org/about-us/ or to provide supplies to the unhoused of Los Angeles in her honor visit: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/9F61O2J19ULL .

The family wishes to express their gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to all the dedicated doctors and nurses at Sparrow Hospital, University of Michigan, Start Midwest, and Heartland Hospice for all their incredible care and support during Leslie’s final years.