Shelly Raye Leeman

Our wonderful Shelly Raye Leeman, passed away gracefully and surrounded by her family and friends on Wednesday, February 9 at her home in Soquel. It was her second battle with cancer. She faced a terrible illness with her usual courage and dignity.

Born Shelly Raye Singer in Chicago June 30, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Evelyn [nee Brin] Singer and the late Herbert Singer, beloved wife and best friend of Ron Leeman, devoted mother of Ilyse and Garrett Leeman, stepmother of Justin Leeman, sister in-law of Steve Leeman, loving sister of Joan [Stuart] Terry of San Antonio, TX, Essie [Rick] Streicher of Lincolnwood, IL, loving daughter -in-law of Robert Leeman, Roxanne Leeman. Dear Aunt and Great Aunt.

Shelly lived in Illinois until she was seventeen when her father moved to Arizona. She went to Arizona State University where she studied art. After college Shelly and her high school friend and college roommate, Jan Goldberg Schrank, moved to Eugene, Oregon, where she lived on a commune and built her own cabin. She worked as an advertising executive, among many other entrepreneurial endeavors. In 1985, with her friend Teri Chambers, she moved to Santa Cruz, helping Teri start The Hat Co. of Santa Cruz. She later worked at Chaminade for many years as restaurant manager.

After the birth of her daughter Ilyse in 1991 Shelly saw a need in the community for quality used children's clothes and equipment. She created the Little Peoples Store in Soquel. She later opened a second store in Scotts Valley. Shelly loved being part of the community, using the store to help others in need.

She made her house a home with her warmth, love, endless energy, and larger than life personality. She had a zest for life that was contagious.

Shelly was a fun, patient, creative and loving mother to her children Garrett and Ilyse. She had a wholehearted love of adventure. She made delicious apple wine and was a great cook.

Shelly was blessed with many loving friends who helped care for her and support her for throughout her illness. She will be deeply missed. When the end was near, Shelly would slip something invisible from her hand to Ron. She told him they were power sticks that she knew he would need to carry on without her.

She will live in our hearts and our lives.

Memorial service to be held at Temple Beth El on May 15 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to WomenCARE of Santa Cruz, www.womencaresantacruz.org, 831-457-2273, an organization devoted to helping women with cancer. Shelly was greatly supported and encouraged by her weekly meetings.