LESLIE MARGARET LEONELLI

Dec. 21, 1947 - Sept. 24, 2009

Leslie Leonelli, an advocate of woman's health care, the performing arts, and the co-owner Pearl's Rainbow Guest House in Key West, departed this life peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009, at her home. She was surrounded by loved ones, including her beloved cat, Dottie, who was curled up next to her.

Leslie, the only daughter of Bruno and Mollie Leonelli, was born in 1947 and raised in Highland Park, Mich. Her father preceded her in death. Leslie is survived by her mother; brother, Lance (Rita); her aunt, Ella Leonelli; longtime friend and business partner, Heather Carruthers; cousins and many, many friends.

A graduate of Highland Park High School, Leslie attended DePauw and Oakland Universities in Indiana and Michigan. Following college, Leslie began a performing arts career, working at regional theaters in Rochester, Mich.; Cleveland, Ohio; Syracuse, N.Y.; and Princeton, N.J. After arriving in New York City in 1973, Leslie earned an Actor's Equity union card, worked in off-Broadway theater and was the production stage manager for the City Center Young People's Theater, an innovative, interactive theater for children from elementary school through high school that took theater to children's playgrounds.

In the late '70s and early '80s, Leslie was a founding member of Ars Pro Femina, a woman's production company. During this time, she co-produced Women's Music concerts in NYC, presenting artists such as Holly Near, Meg Christian, Margie Adam, Chris Williamson and Sweet Honey in the Rock. She also produced dance, drama and performance art in New York.

A skilled musician and flute player, Leslie especially loved choral music. While in New York, she was a founder of The Stonewall Chorale, the country's first gay and lesbian chorus, where she sang alto. The mission of this renowned group is a reflection of Leslie's desire to "convey the love of music, the beauty of diversity, the power of community, and a commitment to uphold the highest artistic ideals in choral performance." Her love of performing choral music continued with her membership in Florilegium Chamber Choir in New York and the Florida Keys Community College Keys Chorale and Dean's List. During her eight years singing alto in the Keys Chorale, Leslie never missed a concert performance.

As part of a varied and full career, Leslie studied massage and related complimentary wellness therapies at the Swedish Institute in New York City. She practiced massage in NYC for 10 years at her private office near Lincoln Center. Leslie also served as a board member of the New York State Society of Massage Therapists and in 1995 was selected by New York magazine as one of the 15 top massage therapists in NYC.

Leslie moved to Key West in 2000 with longtime friend and business partner Heather Carruthers. They purchased Pearl's Rainbow Guest House on United Street and transformed Pearl's into an internationally renowned award-winning resort for women. Pearl's has served as a venue for numerous charitable fundraisers in Key West, including those for WomanKind, Habitat for Humanity, Christina's Courage, and the Cancer Foundation of the Florida Keys.

Leslie's contributions to the Key West community are many. Most notably, she was the longest-sitting board member of WomanKind Inc., serving on the board from 2003 through 2008, as the board chairperson for three of those years. Members of the Keys Chorale, particularly the alto section and library volunteers, will sorely miss her. A graduate of the Key West Ambassador's Academy, Leslie had a smile for everyone she met. She was a true ambassador in every sense of the word.

A memorial service for Leslie is planned for a future date. She will be buried in the Leonelli family plot in Michigan. Leslie requested that contributions in her memory go to WomanKind Inc., the Florida Keys SPCA, or the Key West Symphony Orchestra.

Special thanks go to everyone who reached out to Leslie in her final months. She was so happy to have connected with so many friends from a full and happy life. Thanks to VNA-Hospice of the Florida Keys, to her family, to her Key West family of friends, and especially to Deb Taylor and Ingrid Gundrum; all your caring helped Leslie go from this world to the next surrounded by love.