LEILA REIFEL

Leila Antoinette "Toni" McClung Reifel Passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Jan. 25, 2015. Born in her beloved hometown of Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 14, 1924 to her parents, Charles James McClung III and Leila Alice Woodard. Toni led a remarkable life. The 1930's and 40's were an amazing time to live in Pasadena allowing her to meet many famous and interesting people, including Albert Einstein, as he walked by her home on his way to Cal Tech. After graduating from Pasadena Junior College Toni attended Leland Powers School of Broadcasting in Boston, Mass. After returning home, she became a writer and fashion coordinator for Charm Magazine in Los Angeles as well as promoting fashion shows throughout the region. Later in life she co-authored three cook books. In 1948 she married her first love and high school sweetheart, Jordan. It was during this time that Toni became interested in buying and developing rental properties. It wasn't unusual to see her wield a hammer or lay a brick patio by herself. Her passion for decorating also showed in her beautiful homes and projects. With a bolt of fabric and a quick trip to a thrift store she could turn an empty house into a showcase. Moving to Laguna Beach in 1972 was a dream come true where family and friends gathered for over 30 years. She made the holidays sing, especially Christmas, celebrated with her magical touch. Toni loved nothing more than helping others, especially those less fortunate, generously giving to philanthropic organizations and other causes she felt deeply about. Several years ago Toni moved to the Seattle area to be closer to her family and lived at Crista Senior Community in Shoreline. We will miss her laughter and beautiful smile but will carry wonderful memories of summers at the beach, Rose Bowls and her '65 red convertible Mustang cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway. Preceded in death in 1989 by Jordan Reifel, her loving husband of over 40 years, her parents and sister Mary Elizabeth Passmore. Her legacy lives on in her children, Jordan "Jay" M. Reifel Jr. (Patricia) and Diane Strecker (Owen) and grandchildren, Emily Reifel, Hailey Mattson (Christian), Owen E. Strecker IV (Alexis), Mary Strecker and Ashley Wilcox (Cory). A private family celebration will be held in California. Remembrances to the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, for the Jordan M. Reifel, Sr. Scholarship for Bethel School District graduates or charity of choice.