SWAVERLY, Leighanne Much like the Clarksville moon tower she lived beneath for over a decade, Leighanne Swaverly illuminated Austin and beyond with her easy laugh and sly smile. She passed away peacefully on July 7, 2020, surrounded by her four sisters. We are forever grateful to have experienced her glow. Although her light was dimmed much too soon, it will never be extinguished completely. Beloved daughter of Mary Sweeten and Wallace Swaverly, Leighanne was born in Salem, NJ in 1963 and grew up in Wappingers Falls, NY. She moved with her family to Round Rock, Texas in 1978, attended Round Rock High School and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1988 with a Liberal Arts degree in Women's Studies. Her career included work with Your Heart's Desire and Whole Foods Market, followed by ownership and involvement in some of Austin's iconic restaurants, but her passion was always to help clients as a certified pilates and gyrotonics instructor. Everyone she coached at Castle Hill Fitness and Reform Pilates Austin are stronger, inside and out, by virtue of her gentle instruction and firm discipline. Leighanne enjoyed good food, better wine, live music and travel adventures. She had many favorite spots around Austin, especially Vespaio on Sunday nights, with friends or family. Leighanne was an exceptionally generous woman, sister, friend and animal lover. She was a shining example of what we all strive to be: joyful, caring and beautiful, inside and out. She will be missed by many. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and Wallace Swaverly. She is survived by her sisters, Lauren Cundiff (Rich), Linda Foster (John), Lesley Gallagher (David), and Liz Cesare (John); her nieces and nephews; Caroline (Ryan), Natalie, Marisa, Matthew, Aidan, Grace, Joselyn, great nephew Logan, and soul sister Kimberly Patterson. The family wishes to thank Hospice Austin and Neptune Society for their care and support. A celebration of life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to HAAM (Health Alliance Austin Musicians) or Austin Pets Alive. To view the online obituary and send condolence messages, visit https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/.

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jul. 11, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Leighanne Swaverly

Sponsored by Neptune Society - Austin.

16 Entries

Sonia Hamstra

July 19, 2020

To my first Austin Pilates teacher, my guide to everything Austin, the curator of the best movies to go see. I will greatly miss you and all the wonderful inspiring impact you had on me and all who got to know you. Love you much.

Paula Biehler

July 18, 2020

Leighanne was always there for me. Whether preparing for a party or holding my hand through a break up, recommending the right wine or telling me where/when/what to plant in the backyard, I could always count on her. We must have sat and shared stories on my patio a bazillion times. We loved our pets, our families and cared for our aging parents. I feel honored to have shared New Years Day this year, together. We did a 108 sun salutations yoga class. When we got to the 100th one, so exhausted with eight more to go, I accidently swatted her in the head with my flailing arms. We laughed so hard, it was infectious. The whole class began laughing, too.

Our friendship ebbed and flowed over the span of twenty years. I visit her now when I stroll through the caladiums planted per her direction, talk to her and the other birds on my walks with my dog, cherish our short time together and wonder with delight of the new life she has found. And while Im broken-hearted, I am so grateful to have had the privilege of knowing her.

I miss you and love you Leighanne.

To her loving sisters:

Legends say that the hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbirds delicate grace reminds us that life is rich in beauty everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is lifes sweetest connection.

David Hemphill

July 13, 2020

I am so sorry. Leighanne was such a kind and sweet person. I knew her from when we worked at Whole Foods Market together. My deepest condolences to her sisters and extended family as well as her Whole Foods Market family.

Lisa Terrazas

July 13, 2020

Wishing the family much love and tenderness, holding the loss of sweet Leighanne. Though we interacted for a short time, her energetic imprint is timeless. I know who you are and how you serve, Leighanne.

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Sarah Hales

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Sarah Hales

July 13, 2020

Leighanne's kind and graceful presence will always be with me and all of us who loved and appreciated her work in the world. I am deeply sorry for your loss. She loved well.

Sarah Hales

July 13, 2020

Your kind and loving spirit is always in my heart, Leighanne, as you are gone from our sight but always in our hearts. My love and care to the family.

Carol Harlig

July 12, 2020

I met Leighanne when she filled in for my Pilates teacher in Ketchum, Idaho. What a lovely human being she was, filled with grace. She had an easy way about her and an understated sense of humor. She loved to explore Ketchum and Sun Valley and when I'd mention a restaurant or place she might want to go to, she said she'd already been there! I'm so sorry for your loss but hope your grief is lessened by knowing how much she was loved and admired. (PS: She had great style and I loved her leopard tennis shoes.)

Lisa Fancher

July 12, 2020

Farewell, sweet Leighanne. We will miss your patient Pilates instruction and delightful smile.

Monica Leche

Planted Trees

Debbi Pierce

July 11, 2020

A lovely tribute to a beautiful soul. So very sorry for your loss. Love and hugs, Debbi

Alison Daech

July 11, 2020

You were my friend since 1978, and all of my memories of you are beautiful. We had such fun in high school and college days, and even then you were encouraging me about healthy living. Your kindness and your laughter will never be forgotten. But most of all, that gentle spirit you had that made everyone feel good just to be around you.
Love you my darling friend, Leighanne.