GENA LESLIE
COCOA BEACH
Died: Jan 01, 2004

GENA LESLIE COCOA BEACH Gena Elizabeth Leslie, beloved wife of Claude E. Leslie, Jr. for 62 years, passed away at her home in Cocoa Beach on Thursday, January 1, 2004 after a brief illness. Her family was at her side. In addition to her husband, Gena is survived by her children, Tamsen Leslie Allen, Claude E. and Susan Leslie, III (Butch) and Warren and Sande Leslie. She was especially proud of her much loved grandchildren, Jennifer (Leslie) and Kevin Wilbanks, Travis Leslie, Arianne and Gregory Leslie and Tiffany Gena Allen. She was very much loved by Mary Anne (Taffy) Grantham and Christine Munn, nieces. Gena obtained her Bachelors degree from Winthrop College (S.C.) and aMasters Degree in Library Science from Peabody (Tenn.) at a time when not many women achieved advanced degrees and began a long career as a Librarian. While her hus band was stationed in Japan, she was Librarian for the Air Force and the Army. After she moved to Florida in 1962, she started a 21year career at Kennedy Space Center Library. Gena and Claude retired (again!) and started a family business, TallyPacking and Shipping of Cocoa Beach, Fla., which they ran for several years. During this time Gena made many new friends and thoroughly enjoyed working with the public. Gena had an inquiring curious mind, and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that kept her learn ing and teaching until the end of her life. She possessed a pas sion and enthusiasm for life which touched everyone who knew her and she leaves a space in the hearts of all who loved her that will never be filled. A Memorial service to honor and celebrate her life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Cocoa Beach, 830 So. Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, where she was a member for over 40 years. The family invites her friends to join them at the house after the service. In lieu of flowers, Gena requested that donations be made to: Brevard Hospice, P.O. Box 565002, Rockledge, FL 32946-5002 or Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 4284, Pittsfield, MA 01202-4294.