Leslie Smith

Nov 14, 1974 -

Mar 7, 2026

Longtime Anchorage, Alaska, resident Leslie K. Smith, 51, passed away on March 7, 2026, surrounded by her children, family and devoted caregivers in Eagle River, Alaska. She fought a courageous nine-year battle with ALS, always saying that her love for her children kept her going.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Legacy Heritage Chapel at Angelus, 440 E. Klatt Road in Anchorage, at 2 p.m.

Leslie was born on Nov. 14, 1974, in Traverse City, Mich., to Richard and Shirley Smith. She grew up in Eagle River and Anchorage, graduated from Dimond High School in 1993, and attended UAA. She began her career with Alaska Airlines in 1996, later moving into logistics and CSR work in the Alaska oil and gas industry. She was employed with Furie Alaska at the time of her ALS diagnosis in 2017. A devoted mother, Leslie loved traveling—especially to Hawaii and Rome—hosting gatherings, camping and planning adventures with her family and friends. Her vibrant personality lit up every room. Although she lost her ability to speak, her expressive eyes conveyed her love and humor to all those around her.

Her family wrote: "Leslie's love, generosity and kind heart inspired everyone who knew her. She lived life to the fullest and faced ALS with unmatched strength and humor. We are forever grateful to her caregivers and medical team."

Leslie is survived by her five children, Alex (Theresa), Riley, Makena, Katelynn (Jenoi and three grandchildren) and Kyle; parents; sisters and family. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Steve and Sandra Lambert for their extraordinary care over the past two years.

Per her wishes, her children will privately scatter her remains at a later date. Memorial donations may be sent to Lisa Winzenburg, P.O. Box 230842, Anchorage, AK 99523.