Gaelyn Ann (Leslie) Chambers

Gaelyn Ann (Leslie) Chambers came into this world on December 5th, 1952. She was born to Jack and Mae Leslie, in Redwood City, California. As the daughter of an Irish immigrant mother and the youngest of four with three older brothers, Gaelyn’s playful, sweet and resilient spirit was apparent from an early age.

Gaelyn was quite an accomplished scholar, with two Masters Degrees, a Teaching Credential and a Yoga Teaching Certification. She was passionate about helping children with learning disabilities, so she earned her Master’s in Education. Later in life she wanted to connect with and help children and adults through Play Therapy, so she worked for and achieved her Master’s in Psychology.

Gaelyn took her education and passion for helping others and used them in a way that helped her excel in her highest priorities. Gaelyn’s top two priorities in life were her family and her passion for enjoying life.

She was an amazing grandmother, mother, aunt and friend. She took the time to listen, play and guide not only her children and grandchildren, but many people who loved her for her incredible heart.

Her passion for life allowed her the opportunity to take the time to travel and live with a positive perspective about life that enabled her to enjoy every moment on earth. She was quite an accomplished traveler, making it a priority to travel to different places every year.

She was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in September of 2008. While battling Cancer and undergoing multiple chemotherapy treatments for the last four years, Gaelyn continued to live her life the way she had always lived, appreciating every moment and fighting this disease with the heart of a warrior. She continued to work as a Hiking and Meditation Teacher and a Relaxation Yoga Teacher throughout her illness. She was an inspiration to her students as she continued to teach through every chemo treatment and complication she faced while living with this disease.

On August 3rd, surrounded by her children, Gaelyn Ann Chambers was finally able to have the peace she so deserves. She lived a beautiful and vibrant life that ended far too soon, but was very well lived.

Her family would like to thank all of the supportive and caring people that helped take such good care of her as she went through her journey. The Santa Barbara Cancer Center, Hospice of Santa Barbara, Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care and all of her wonderful friends and family have been angels on earth, helping to guide us all along the way.

Please join us in celebrating her life, beginning with a Vigil held at Saint Raphael’s Church, Friday August 17th at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday August 18th at Saint Raphael’s Church. Family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Gaelyn Chambers name to the Santa Barbara Cancer Center. Please help us celebrate her colorful life by not wearing black, but instead the color of your choice and your favorite hat.