Leona "Lee" Apana Lindsey was born on June 18th, 1939 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She died peacefully on October 22nd, 2022 in Keizer, Oregon. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Lee grew up in Waimanalo, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Her childhood home was located on Hawaiian Homestead land right across the from the Pacific Ocean. She was an avid reader, portrait artist and before becoming a wife and mother, she worked as an Usherette at the former Waikiki Theater where she met her would-be husband, William "Paul" Lindsey.
In 1957, Lee and Paul married and spent the first 13 years of their marriage in Kailua, Oahu where they raised their four oldest children. In 1970, Lee and Paul moved to Gervais, Oregon where they bought a 6-acre farm. Together, Paul and Lee fulfilled their dream of raising their children on a farm .
In 1976, Lee and Paul's youngest daughter, Melissa Faye, was born in Salem, Oregon.
Lee loved raising cattle, pigs, and chickens and adopted several stray cats. She was noted for her delicious cooking and baking and enjoyed raising apples, grapes, vegetables and flowers in her large garden. You could always find Lee in her warm kitchen either watching soap operas (Days of our Lives or Young & the Restless), Lifetime and Hallmark channels or sports. She especially loved golf, hockey and major league baseball. While visiting her home, Lee wouldn't hesitate to make you a meal and fresh baked cookies. She was famous for her lovely smile and welcoming and gracious attitude. She will be remembered most by her bubbly giggle...she loved to laugh.
Lee is survived by her 5 children; sons William "Bill", Jr, Clay "Keone", and Karl all residing in Salem, Oregon and daughters Analiese Bannister of Milwaukie, Oregon and Melissa Lindsey of Portland, Oregon. Lee is also survived by four of her sisters who still reside in The Hawaiian islands, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Her greatest joy came from being with her family, especially hosting them at her century-old farmhouse in Oregon where she spent most of her life. As the matriarch of her family, Lee leaves behind a legacy of joy, love and warmth. She will forever be remembered for how she made everyone feel who was in her presence: loved and seen and celebrated.
Because Lee loved caring for animals, donations can be made to your local animal shelter if you desire.