Just wanted to share the obituary for my beloved sister Leslie Wayne. If you are in the New York area her family would like to invite you to her memorial service and celebration of life. Details are at the end of the obituary

Just wanted to share the obituary for my beloved sister Leslie Wayne. If you are in the New York area her family would like to invite you to her memorial service and celebration of life. Details are at the end of the obituary.

Leslie Wayne, our beloved friend, daughter, sister, and mother, passed away on July 26, 2025, surrounded by family. She was 57 years old and resided in Gardiner, NY. Born on July 17, 1968, in Garberville, California, Leslie entered the world feet first.

She is survived by her son, Ethan Christian Wayne; her mother, Sharon Bush; her sisters, Lori Wayne, Lisa Sledge, and Linda Wayne; and her stepmother, Lynne Wayne.

Leslie spent her childhood in Redding and Sutter Creek, California, and graduated from Amador High School in 1986. She relocated to Southern California and started her modeling career. Leslie was an accomplished international fashion model for over twenty years, represented by top agents in New York City and Europe. Throughout her career, she traveled worldwide and was featured in various magazines.

Leslie spent most of her adult life in Gardiner, New York, where she raised her son, Ethan, and formed deep and lasting friendships. She completed her college education at Empire State and Suny New Paltz, earning degrees in Marketing and Communications. She began her professional journey as an Account Executive with Essential Salon Products and Goldwell NY, where she developed strong relationships with numerous salons in the Northeast. Most recently, she earned her Master Life Coach certification and founded her volunteer coaching company, “Live While You’re Living.” Leslie dedicated herself to coaching cancer patients, helping them navigate the daily challenges of living with cancer. Her efforts had a significant impact on many lives.

Leslie had a deep love for nature, exploration, travel, and animals, which led her to embark on many adventures throughout her life. She completed over 1,800 skydives and spent many weekends attending sports games with her son. Leslie also enjoyed long hikes, beach walks, working in her yard, walking her dogs, and caring for her cats. She cherished riding her horse, Tonka. She was also a volunteer EMT and firefighter for Gardiner, NY. One of her final trips, dear to her heart, was a three-week journey to reconnect with old friends, teachers, and family in Northern California.

With a passion for life and an unwavering determination to live, Leslie battled terminal bile duct cancer for over four years, surpassing the expectations of some of the world’s leading oncologists. Her resilience was nothing short of miraculous, inspiring countless people along the way. She will be dearly missed.

By the way, if you see a sliver of the moon, Leslie said she will be swinging from it. Please remember always to LIVE WHILE YOU’RE LIVING!

A memorial service will be held at the Reformed Church of Shawangunk, 1166 Hoagerburgh Rd., Wallkill, NY 12589 on Wednesday, August 6th at 10 am followed by a reception at her home – 32 Stella Drive in Gardner.