Leanne Kay Forster, 48, passed away on Jan. 25, 2023, surrounded by family and loved ones, at her home in Olympia, Washington. Leanne was born in San Diego, California on Sept. 14, 1974. She and her family moved to Montesano, Washington when she was five years old, in 1979.

Leanne attended Montesano High School and graduated in 1993. She spent her youth consuming books and music, playing softball, and enjoying time with her many friends. After high school, Leanne moved to Olympia, Washington where she worked many jobs, and attended The Evergreen State College, graduating in 2000 with a focus on English Studies.

During this time, she met her spouse Blake and they settled in the Olympia area.

Leanne’s sons, Nathan and Carter, were born in 2004. She was a stay-at-home mom during their young adolescence before returning to school to receive her Master’s Degree in Education from Pacific Lutheran University in 2009.

She then spent much time with Olympia High School as an educator, before beginning her career at Centralia High School in 2011.

As a high school English teacher in Centralia, she passed on her love of people, of reading, and pop culture to students. She mentored, taught, and befriended countless young persons. Many of those returned to visit her often after they graduated. She assisted with the drama department, served as the school GSA sponsor, and participated in numerous fundraisers and events, all in the name of bettering her students. She loved them dearly.

Leanne loved her friends, her students, reading, old movies, music, camping, and her basset hound, Bella. She loved and rescued old dogs that needed loving homes and she donated to many shelters in the local area.

She is survived by her spouse Blake; her sons, Nathan and Carter; her father Dennis, her brother Gary and his family; aunts and uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Sue Forster.

In lieu of gifts, the family asks that donations be made to Old Dog Haven, at olddoghaven.org.

A memorial service will be held in July 2023 and details will be communicated at a later date.