A Tribute to Debbie Leas
Great Friend & Inspiring Leader
It is with much sadness that we write that Debbie Leas, a previous leader of Easter Seals Washington’s Child Development programs, passed away on January 7th following a battle with cancer. Debbie began her career with Easter Seals Washington in 1998 as a childcare teacher and held numerous positions within the organization until 2014. She came to us as a teacher and quickly advanced to a director position, eventually becoming the Statewide Director of Childcare and opening the Jane’s House program in Yakima. Her impact on our child development programs and our organization as a whole was profound, and her commitment to our mission was inspirational.
“I often speak about what is needed to run a great child development program: An open mind; a can-do attitude; an understanding of the value of Team; and an insatiable curiosity about the potential of all children. Debbie embodied all of these traits and more; leading by example, learning from mistakes, and laughing at the end of each day. I am a better person for having worked with Debbie, and Easter Seals Washington’s programs are so much richer.” – Cathy Bisaillon, President & CEO
A worship service and celebration of Debbie’s life was held at the Living Word Family Church in Grand Forks, ND on Tuesday January 12th, and a memorial service will also be held in Yakima, WA on January 23rd at 1pm at West Valley Foursquare Church. Directions can be found here.
You can read Debbie's obituary here.
