Leslie Lee (Wallace) Anderson

April 23, 1937 - November 05, 2010

Leslie Lee (Wallace) Anderson Obituary It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Leslie Lee Wallace Anderson on Friday, November 5, 2010 in Spokane Washington. She returned to God's embrace surrounded by the love of her children and many friends. Leslie was born on April 23rd, 1937 in Walla Walla, Washington to parents Dean Leslie Wallace and Adelaide (Oliver) Wallace. The young family settled in Dayton, Washington and soon welcomed Leslie's younger brother, David. Sadly, Leslie lost her mother at an early age. During this time her grandparents, John and Sophia Wallace became very special to Leslie as they helped care for and raise her and her brother. It is also in this loss that Leslie learned the importance of friendship. Leslie took great comfort and happiness from her many close and enduring friendships, many of which were developed at a young age and continue to this day. Thank you to the "Dayton Girls", mom loved each of you. The Wallace's were a uniquely active family. Swimming, snow skiing, hiking, golf, camping and fishing were common events for Leslie and her brother. Their father took great pride in teaching each to be accomplished in all outdoor activities. After graduating from Dayton High School in 1955 Leslie attended Oregon State University for a short time. During that period she met and married Ronald George Reinland. The couple moved back to Dayton and began raising a family of four; Michael Ray, Tracy Anne, Andrew John and James Patrick. Throughout Leslie's life her children were a source of great pride. Friends say she was always happiest when surrounded by her family. In 1976 Leslie moved her family from Dayton to Spokane, WA and began her journey in a new city as a single mom. Having her two youngest sons still living in the home, Leslie worked hard to provide for them while employed in a downtown dental office. While these times were not always the easiest, it did teach all her children the life-long lessons of dedication, commitment, loyalty, and importance of family. In 1986 Leslie married her longtime companion John L. Anderson. To Leslie's great delight, John quickly proved to be a wonderful addition to her family. He not only became an excellent friend and step-father to her children, he was also a tremendous role model as well. Leslie and John made homes in Calgary, Alberta, Bainbridge Island, WA and finally again in Spokane. In their retirement the couple loved to travel and enjoyed sharing with friends and family the many vacations they experienced in all parts of the world. Leslie's favorite pastimes were varied and many. She especially enjoyed china-painting, knitting, gardening and time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved spending time with her many friends, her work at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and the enjoyment that her beloved dogs, Sophie and Lily, and cat, Winston brought to her. Leslie reunites with family in heaven, her parents, Dean L. and Adelaide Wallace, grandparents, John L. and Sophia Wallace, infant brother, John Wallace, first husband and father of her four children, George Reinland and her loving husband John L. Anderson, and Lucy the island dog. She is survived by her children, Mike Reinland (Lisa) of Walla Walla, WA, Tracy Peterson of Wenatchee, WA, Andy Reinland (Chris) of Seattle, WA, Pat Reinland of Spokane, WA, Kim Sconce (Fred) of Brookeville, MD, and Brian Anderson of Bainbridge Island, WA. Her seven grandchildren include Byron and Aaron Reinland, Ashlie and Dane Peterson, Adelaide Rose (Daly) Reinland and Wes and Daniel Sconce. Her two great-grandchildren, twins Emmit and Cowen Shull. Her brother and sister-in-law, David and Donna Wallace of Hayden Lake, ID and their children, Jeff and Julie. The family would also like to acknowledge her in-laws, nephews and nieces of the Reinland family who Leslie always felt a special closeness toward. Finally, a special thank you to all the friends that contributed so much to Mom's life and happiness. With sincere gratitude, Leslie's family would like to extend our many thanks to Joni Nichols and her staff at Cancer Care Northwest for taking such good care of our mom. Your tireless efforts were a great source of comfort to us and most importantly, to mom. Leslie was an extremely loving and giving wife, amazing mother and grandmother and an incredibly loyal friend. She was devoted to and loved by all who knew her. Mom, we love you, and though you will always be missed, we also know you will always be with us. Thank you for all you are and everything you have done for us. A celebration of Leslie's life will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 5720 South Perry Street on Thursday, November 11 at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Spokane, Grace Episcopal Church in Dayton, WA or any charity close to your heart.