Leslie Anne Bachman passed away on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, after an accomplished and courageous life. Leslie was born October 6, 1980, with a severe congenital heart defect which over time led to seven heart surgeries. In 1993 Leslie received a heart/double-lung transplant and in 2001 a kidney transplant from her father. At the time of her death she was the longest living pediatric heart/double-lung recipient in the country.
Despite that history Leslie wanted to be known as “just Leslie and not the transplant girl”. Pity was not in her game plan of life. Leslie met every adversity with humor, sarcasm, and an “I’ll do it my way” attitude. Time after time she beat the odds that were given to her. She blazed her own trail and lived her life on her own terms. Her humor, courage, and spirit inspired everyone who knew her.
Her smile and beautiful eyes lit up the room. Leslie loved animals. She planned to open an animal shelter and find homes for abused and abandoned animals. She rescued a Great Pyrenees dog she named Beaumont who she trained to be a service dog. He was a constant companion and always at her side.
Leslie was artistic and very creative in everything she did. She owned a very successful custom jewelry company and spent hours making sure every piece was perfect. She was so proud to have received orders from as far away as England.
Leslie leaves behind her devastated family: parents Fern and Kathie Bachman; her sister Stephanie, brother Michael, her niece Kaylynne, nephew Kristian, and her paternal grandparents Fern, Sr. and Mildred Bachman. She was pre-deceased by her maternal grandparents Claude and Mari Neill.
A celebration of Leslie’s life will be held Saturday, April 21, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. at Habing Funeral Home, 129 4th St., Gilroy, CA.
The family requests that bright, bold colors be worn in honor of Leslie’s love of all things bright and happy, red being her favorite color of all. Please share your memories and stories of Leslie during the service. A reception will immediately follow at the home of family friends Dom and Joanne Galu in Gilroy. Address will be provided at the service. In lieu of flowers contributions to animal rescue shelters and no kill shelters would be appreciated.
Condolences can be made at www.HabingFamilyFuneralHome.com
Leslie Anne Bachman October 6, 1980 – April 3, 2012
