Leslie Amendt

April 30, 1957 - Feb. 15, 2023

Leslie Amendt April 30th, 1957 - February 15th, 2023 Leslie Kay Amendt of Bainbridge Island, Washington, passed away on February 15th, with her son and caretaker Patrick by her side. After more than twelve years of beating unsurmountable odds, Leslie succumbed to a combination of chronic health conditions. Shortly after she was born on April 30th, 1957, in Moscow, Idaho to Vera and Bill Wymer, Leslie’s family moved to Bremerton where Vera married the man to become Leslie’s forever father Bob Holte. It was quickly apparent that Leslie was a force of nature. As a young child her tenacity, strength, nurturing, and joie de vivre had all become her paramount qualities. Ever in her mother’s footsteps, growing up, Leslie became an accomplished cook and, was known as the junior mother, helping to raise her four younger siblings. Later she stepped into the family profession in the garment industry, proving her hard work ethic which spanned over thirty-seven years. Known for her empathy, resilience, and style she was consistently the top producer in her field. By her twenty-first birthday, Leslie had moved to San Francisco, California, where she met her husband, Jack Amendt. They settled in Mill Valley, California to raise their two children, Patrick and Kelly. Leslie was a doting mother and consummate advocate for her children. She found so much pride in her babies. She made a home in Mill Valley where all were welcome, with many holidays hosted where she embraced friends as if they were family. The last decade of Leslie’s life was one of dramatic change. She suffered a massive stroke shortly after moving to Bainbridge Island to be closer to family. Although she experienced the miracle of an experimental brain stint, the stroke wreaked havoc upon her, leaving her with a loss of the mobility of the dominant right side of her body. In common Leslie fashion, she did not define herself by this setback, in fact shortly after her release from the hospital Leslie participated in a walk-a-thon to benefit those affected by Traumatic Brain Injuries. Despite her stroke and many more setbacks, Leslie was determined to live with independence, vibrance, and grace. She inspired all those who loved her with her grit and determination to overcome any obstacle she faced, for which she had more than her share. She was always more concerned about those she loved than about her own needs. With the bitter comes the sweet. Leslie became an avid gardener, and voracious reader, and found a second home and second family at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, where she often performed as a greeter. Leslie’s last adventure was her favorite; that of grandmother to her beloved grandson Zackary. For the past five years, she cherished their phone calls, and the time spent with him. She lived in joy with him by her side and the deepening of her relationship with her daughter, Zackary’s mother Kelly. Although the last years of Leslie’s life were full of challenges that tested her strength and fortitude, they were also filled with joy. Leslie is survived by her son, Patrick Amendt, daughter, Kelly Amendt and beloved grandson, Zackary Amendt, her mother and father Vera and Robert Holte, sister Wendy Johnson (Mark), brothers Darrick Wymer (Teresa Khanh Nguyen), Dore Holte (Olga), and Darin Holte (Monique), ex-husband Jack Amendt, and many beloved nieces and nephews as well as 9A’s league cousins. Leslie’s family would like to thank our extended family, our Bainbridge Island family group, friends, the congregation at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, and Pastor Dee Eisenhauer who have cradled and kept us aloft in these heavy hours. Join us for Leslie’s Celebration of Life held at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, 105 Winslow Way West on Bainbridge Island on Sunday, March 5th at 2 pm with a reception to follow. And to anyone so gracious as to extend condolences, please refrain from gifts and flowers; rather give calls, meals, hugs, and kisses to your loved ones. This is how Leslie lived, please continue her legacy.