Leslye Mukti Lawrence

Leslye Mukti was a beloved wife, mother, sister, auntie, grandmother and friend.

Leslye did her growing up in north Miami and the New York metropolitan area. She encountered Baba Hari Dass in the mid-70's and in 1976 she headed to Santa Cruz to become part of Babaji's satsang community. She received her name, Mukti (Liberation), from Babaji. Kusum, her first child, was born in 1979 at Mt. Madonna Center, the first child born on the newly purchased land. Nathan followed a few years later, and Corey arrived in 1988.

Leslye was passionate about everything she engaged with, from her Seeds of Change children's bookstore in Capitola (a magical space for children and adults) to her various administrative positions in the health and fitness world. She held high standards and wanted everyone to live up to those standards. She had an eye for what needed to be done and how best to do it so that the organizations could thrive. She was politically active, and passionate about health, human rights and caring for our planet. And she loved books. She surrounded herself with books, many of which she read, and some were books she aspired to eventually read. So many books, never enough time.

Leslye was passionate about the outdoors, about nature. She loved hiking in the forests both near and far, she loved camping and being out in the darkness of night to see the starry world and possible shooting stars (a beloved highlight). Leslye loved good food, wine, music, laughing, popcorn, meteors, and movies (even though she usually fell asleep). She was known to be always late…even passing away long after it was expected.

In 2001, the stars aligned and the love between Leslye and Steve grew and blossomed. Together they took many trips to Bali to visit family and friends and to connect with the amazing spiritual cultural life there. Leslye was dedicated to personal growth and development and learning from her past to become more truly who she wanted to be.

With her cancer diagnosis in 2019, she doubled down on her efforts to become more forgiving of others and especially of herself, to become more able to receive love and to be grateful for all that is good. She became more able to accept herself for her efforts without demanding unattainable perfection.

Leslye also discovered her capacity for research. After her cancer diagnosis, she learned so much about cancer and cancer treatments, constantly researching clinical trails and recent research. She was in various online cancer support communities and was an engaged participant. She became a resource to others who looked to her for advice and guidance in the challenging world of cancer. And she assembled her own cancer treatment team, moving on from those who did not meet her needs and adding the smartest and most compassionate doctors and practitioners she could find.

Leslye loved her family and especially doted on her grandchildren! Her circle of friends and family was wide. Leslye will be remembered for her beautiful smiling eyes and her generosity of spirit. She was always willing to help others, to lend a hand whether or not she knew the one in need.

Leslye is survived by her husband Stephen Spitalny, her children Kusum Mary Lawrence, Nathan Lawrence and Corey Nead, and her grandchildren Max and Nasya.

Her Sraddha will be held at Mt. Madonna Center on the morning of January 5.

A shining star came to live among us and then returned to the starry heavens where she awaits us.

Published in Press Banner · December 27, 2022