LESLIE LEE JORDON

October 13, 1946 ~ December 22, 2012
Leslie was born October 13, 1946, in Seattle, Washington. She was the beloved wife and best friend of Loren Chad Jordon, mother of Brooke (Jim) Rintoul of St. Louis and Russell (Laura) OMara of Jefferson City and daughter of the late Les and Luella Hotsenpiller. Leslie is also survived by two brothers, Robert (Andrea) Hotsenpiller of Silver Springs, Md. and Wade (Audrey) Hotsenpiller of Virginia Beach, Va.; four granddaughters, Mia and Annalee Rintoul and Reagan and Addison OMara; a niece, Andrea (John) OMalley of Media, PA, a nephew, Greg (Kathy) Hotsenpiller of Coralville, Ia., and many cousins.
Leslie was generous and creative. She was a person of many talents. As an artist, a gardener, a devoted friend and an advocate, she brought intelligence and passion to all of her efforts. She had a way of making ordinary moments and things unique and special. She was a loving mother and grandmother, a ferocious reader, and a devoted caretaker of birds and her extensive gardens. She was quick to laugh and loved art, music, nature, travel, and her family. Supportive and encouraging, Leslie was a positive force in the lives of everyone she touched.
Leslies life was characterized by her love of humanity and, in particular, her love for and work on behalf of the disadvantaged, elderly, disabled and mentally ill. She spent her life working on programs to help those individuals. Leslie devoted herself to ensuring the dignity and equality of all lives.
Leslie earned her bachelors degree at Park College in Kansas City and her masters degree at the International Art Institute in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Leslie began her career as a social worker in Kansas City. She excelled at creating new funding streams for social programs. She was a pioneer in nursing home reform in the 1980s when, as Deputy Director of Institutional Services in the former Missouri Division of Aging, she took action against nursing homes providing substandard care. She often did this at personal risk without regard for position or politics. Later, she was responsible for the creation of innovative drug and alcohol programs for women with children.
In both her professional and personal life, Leslie supported a wide variety of causes and charities. She leaves a legacy of the positive changes she made in the lives of countless individuals. Her memory will live on in all who got to know her.
A private memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations can be made to your local domestic violence shelter.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
Loren, you have my deepest sympathy. This is Don Boes who used to work for Pyramid Pharmacy. When I delivered to you, we often discussed the Royals and baseball when time permitted. I did not have your phone number after I left Pyramid nor was it listed. I thought it inappropriate to just stop by sometime due to Leslie’s difficulties. I was saddened when I read it in the paper. Hopefully, after some time has passed, you can email me back or call me (I still have a land line in Jeff City). I do think of you as a friend and would enjoy talking or visiting with you at a suitable time. You are in my thoughts.
Dear Chad and Family,We are so very sad to hear about Leslie. We were out of town and didn’t realize she had passed away until this evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of any help.
Chad and Family: My heart is broken to hear about Leslie passing. She and I worked together at DMH and spent many hours analyzing the problems of the world and DMH. She was one of the most dedicated and concerned people I know, always ready to fight against social injustices. I will miss her greatly. I also did not know until I read the obituary that her son is Russell O’Mara. She spoke of “Russell” many times but I never put that together after meeting Russell, who did some work for me at my home in ST. Thomas. I also worked closely with Laura when she was at FSD. It truly is a small world. Please give my special condolences to both of them. I will miss her laugh and her presence. Whoever wrote the obit really captured the kind of person she was. I will include you in my prayers.
Dearest Chad and family, I am so sorry for your lose. You are in my prayers.
one of the finest women I ever knew; devoted to public service and helping those who could not help themselves. Rest in Peace Leslie. You legacy lives on. Much love to you, Chad.
Chad, Brooke, Russell, I am sorry to hear about your loss. I was friends with Leslie more than 40 years ago in Parkville. she was an inspiring friend and she remained in touch with my mother for many years. I have many good memories with her.
Evelyn Cleaver Hinds 972-401-8907
Chad, Brooke, Russell, I am sorry to hear about your loss. I was friends with Leslie more than 40 years ago in Parkville. she was an inspiring friend and she remained in touch with my mother for many years. I have many good memories with her.
Evelyn Cleaver Hinds 972-401-8907