Kirstin M. Nelson-Leonardo

1967 - 2010

Mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, Entrepreneur, hostess, and charity organizer, Born March 16, 1967 in Spokane, Washington.

Kirstin was born to Don Edward and Cynthia Marie Nelson. She had a happy childhood growing up with her two brothers, Steven Gid Nelson, born in Moses Lake, WA., and Stan Eric Nelson, born in Fresno, CA. The Nelson family moved several times, ultimately bringing Don back to his roots in Madera and the Central Valley.

Kirstin attended Thomas Jefferson Jr. High School and met many new friends that first year. She even became a letter carrier for the band. From there she went on to Madera High School Coyotes to play sports and enjoy many years of cheerleading. There was a great atmosphere of support from the Madera community.

Kirstin was introduced to the love of her life, Paul Antonio Leonardo III and they married September 20th, 1997. Paul and Kirstin enjoyed house boating, socializing and entertaining friends and finally decided to start their family.

Kirstin embraced being a mom to Paul Antonio IV, Jake Garret and Lauren Olivia Leonardo. Their different personalities, talents and beauty brought her so much joy. She looked forward to seeing each new stage in their lives and what the next accomplishment would be. She and Paul are very proud of their children.

Kirstin worked hard to find balance between work and family. She was the proud owner and Agent with State Farm Insurance for 18 years. She was very happy with the flexible schedule that allowed her. She was involved in kid's activities, PTA and donated her time and energy to her favorite charity, Children's Hospital Central California. She felt that in giving of herself she could find inspiration that good things were going on in the world.

She always enjoyed a quick weekend getaway with Paul, taking a short flight to feel a million miles away. Paul and Kirstin had a special bond, they realized how lucky they were to be together and enjoyed their time. She was also very fortunate to travel with her "girl's trip sisters" for many years. Each year "the girls" would visit a new spa, shopping area or just fun cities looking for treasures and a great time together.

Kirstin faced her final challenge, cancer, with the attitude that she didn't want to be treated differently than before. Her friends and her family helped her try her best to continue a happy, active home for her kids.
She liked this quote "Cancer hands you red-hot shoes and makes you dance with death every day for the rest of your life. So the question is, who gets to lead? Anyone who has ever danced with Kirstin knows she doesn't follow very well.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Children's Hospital Central California or Del Corazon Guild of Merced. A college fund for her children, Paul, Jake, and Lauren is also available.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 10:30 am at Cornerstone Community Church (208 Fig Tree Rd., Chowchilla, CA 93610) There will be a Reception following the Memorial Service at Morning Glory (7326 E. Highway 140, Merced, CA 95340)

All Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Manor Grace Chapel "Creating Meaningful Funerals That Celebrate Life" 801 E. Yosemite Ave., Madera, CA 93638 (559) 662-8825.