Leslie Miyoko Hashimoto

Leslie Miyoko Hashimoto passed away after a long struggle with mental illness. Leslie was born May 15th, 1986, to James Kent and Miyoko Elaine Hashimoto in Murray, Utah. As a girl, Leslie was a sweet child who never complained. Growing up, Leslie was active and loved to play sports, especially soccer and softball, but most of all, tennis. She graduated from Hillcrest High School in 2004, where she was captain of the tennis team and a two-time state doubles champion. Her championships were the result of great discipline and dedication. She was a determined and ferocious competitor and hated to lose, maybe even more than she loved to win. 

During and after high school, she shared her passion for tennis with others by teaching lessons and helping her dad as he coached the boy’s high school team. Despite her fierceness in competition, Leslie also had a very tender side. She was highly compassionate and loved helping others, especially those who were less fortunate. She adored animals, especially her dog, Zilla. 

She loved working with children, and after high school, she received a scholarship to Utah State, where she began pursuing a degree in education. Because of her strong desires to help others, she strongly considered elementary education or special education. Leslie was a talented pianist and loved to play challenging music. She especially loved pieces that were, like her, beautiful, complex, and dynamic. Pieces such as Beethoven’s Sonata No.8 “Pathétique” or Handel’s "Passacaglia". 

Leslie loved to joke and tease and laugh; she loved funny movies like The Princess Bride and The Emperor's New Groove and television shows like Friends and The Gilmore Girls and could quote several-minute sections of her favorite bits. Leslie found her joy in nature and loved fishing and hiking. Leslie cared deeply for her two biological daughters, Grace and Leah, but due to her struggles, she was unable to care for them. However, despite everything, she was always concerned about the welfare of her girls.

Leslie is survived by her mother, Miyo; sister, Jamie; brother, Brett (Alisha), and two daughters, Grace and Leah. She is preceded in death by her father, Jim. In lieu of owers, donations may be made to Crossroads Urban Center at https://donorbox.org/support-crossroads-urban-center.

 A celebration of her life will be held on February 15 at the chapel on 9119 S 1300 E, Sandy, UT 84093. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, Celebration of Life is at 11:00 am.  

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