Leslye Mukti Lawrence

1959 - 2022

Leslye/Mukti was a beloved wife, mother, sister, auntie, grandmother and Hanuman Fellowship Satsang member. Leslye did her growing up in north Miami and the New York metropolitan area. She met Baba Hari Dass in the mid-70's and in 1976 she headed to Santa Cruz to become part of Babaji's satsang community. She received her name, Mukti (Liberation), from Babaji. Kusum, her first child, was born in 1979 at Mt. Madonna Center, the first child born on the newly purchased land. Nathan followed a few years later, and Corey arrived in 1988. Leslye was passionate about everything she engaged in, from her Seeds of Change children's bookstore in Capitola (a unique, magical, beautiful space for children and adults) to her various administrative positions in the health and fitness world. She was politically active, and passionate about health, human rights and caring for our planet. She surrounded herself with books - so many books, never enough time.Leslye loved the outdoors, and being in nature. She loved hiking in the forests both near and far, she loved camping and being out in the darkness of night in hopes of seeing shooting stars (a beloved highlight). Leslye loved good food, wine, music, laughing, popcorn, and movies (even though she usually fell asleep). In 2001, Leslye and Steve joined their lives and began their many adventures to amazing places. Her favorites included Mt. Shasta, Big Sur and Bali. Personal growth and development, and learning from her past was a lifelong practice. With her cancer diagnosis in 2019, she doubled down on her efforts to become more forgiving of others and especially of herself.Leslye also discovered her capacity for research, learning so much about cancer and cancer treatments, constantly researching clinical trails and recent research. She was in various online cancer support communities where she became a resource to others offering advice and guidance in the challenging world of cancer. She also assembled her own cancer treatment team, seeking the smartest and most compassionate doctors and practitioners she could find.Leslye loved her family and especially doted on her grandchildren! Her circle of friends and family was wide. Leslye will be remembered for her beautiful, smiling eyes, her infectious laugh and her generosity of spirit. Leslye is survived by her husband Stephen Spitalny, her children Kusum Mary Lawrence, Nathan Lawrence and Corey Nead, and her grandchildren Max and Nasya.A shining, sparkling star came to live among us and then returned to the starry heavens where she awaits us.