ANDREA CAROLYN LEONARD

Anchorage resident Andrea Carolyn Leonard, 58, died of complications of a long-term liver ailment on Nov. 27, 2002, while visiting family in San Diego.

Her family wrote, "She was among family and friends when she went to be with the Lord. In her purse she carried a note she had written: 'I want to be happy, to help others to be happy and to leave life content that these goals have been accomplished without causing harm to anyone.'"

A memorial service was held on Monday, Dec. 16, at The Hilton Anchorage Chartroom. Her ashes will be scattered in Resurrection Bay this spring.

Ms. Leonard was born Sept. 2, 1944, in Charleston, S.C., the daughter of Helen and Edmond Shipley, and stepdaughter of Robert Doty.

She lived in Charleston, Greece, California and Texas before moving to Alaska in 1986. She moved from Wasilla to Anchorage in 1996.

Ms. Leonard was a leader in the National Association of Insurance Women. She held numerous state and regional offices and was national Insurance Professional of the Year in 2002. She hosted the organization's convention in Anchorage in May.

She was an account executive and administrator at Parker, Smith and Feek Insurance agency since 1997. She was a certified insurance counselor and certified professional insurance woman, and had completed the Diversified Advanced Education program.

Her family said, "She enjoyed every day of her life in Alaska -- she was very proud of catching a 105-pound halibut and wrote about the beauty of long days and long nights, the wildlife in her yard and her travels around the state. Mom was an angel here on Earth. She was a doting mother and grandmother who always went without to make sure her children were provided for. She was an intelligent, articulate woman with a deep passion for writing and the arts. Mom will be remembered for her strength, laughter, kindness and selflessness. We will always love and forever miss her."

She is survived by her children, Carrie Leonard, Rebecca Leonard and Matthew Leonard; brother Derrill Doty; former husband James Leonard; four grandchildren; son-in-law JR Irwin; daughter-in-law Serra Leonard; and her life partner Dan Coulter.

A memorial scholarship to support women studying insurance is being established. Donations may be made to the Andrea Leonard Scholarship Fund, 2235 Radiant Circle, Anchorage AK 99501.