Leslene A. Simoes

With heavy hearts we sadly announce the passing of our fun-loving sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, niece, wife, mother and friend to many, Leslene Ann Simoes of Santa Barbara, CA on Thursday, December 1, 2022. Born to Mario and Gloria Simoes in Tulare, CA on October 28, 1970, Leslene is survived by her loving husband, Robert “Chipper” Clouser and daughter Presley Harper Clouser, father, Mario Simoes, mother, Gloria Simoes both of Tulare. brother, Mario Simoes Jr. (Celeste), Tulare, niece, Brittany Simoes, Bakersfield, CA, niece, Brooke Simoes, Tulare, nephew, Chris Simoes, Tulare, sister, Leanne Simoes Sandlin (David), Tulare, nephew, Bryson Ribeiro (Marquel) great niece, Mara Ribeiro, Visalia, CA, niece Adria Ribeiro, Pismo Beach, nephew, Brennan Ribeiro (Peyton), Tulare, nephew, Brooks Ribeiro, Los Angeles, brother, Melvin Simoes (Glynette), Avila Beach, CA, nephew, Cameron Simoes, Oceano, CA, niece, Madison Simoes, San Luis Obispo, CA, niece, Jordan Simoes, San Diego, CA, brother, Mark Simoes (Tulare), numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and her beloved pets, her Pug Dottie and two cats Luna and Bruce. Leslene is proceeded in death by her paternal grandparents, grandfather, Isaias Simoes, grandmothers Olivia and Albertina Simoes her maternal grandparents, Joe and Mary Souza, uncle, Joe Souza, aunt, Clarice Souza Mathias, uncle, Dan Souza, aunt, Mary Simoes Oliveira, uncle Tony Oliveira and their son Manuel Oliveira, uncle, John Fernandes, brother-in-law, Mark A. Ribeiro, nephew, Michael Simoes and her beloved pug, Sammy Dee.

Leslene spent her childhood being raised on the family farm, this is where she developed her love for animals. With no interest in receiving a College degree, Leslene packed up her car at the age of 18 years old and moved to Santa Barbara to pursue a career in the Hotel Industry. With her unstoppable drive and work ethic, she moved from hotel to hotel all the while climbing up the ladder with every move. All of her hard work paid off when she landed the prestigious Sales Manager position at the World Renown Bacara Resort. Here she had the responsibility of coordinating many events, countless meetings, conventions, weddings, etc. She knew she reached the pinnacle of her career when she landed the contract to host the Oprah Winfrey Legends Ball. Always striving to look her best, it was no surprise when she decided to pursue a career change and become an Esthetician. As being a wife and mother clearly defined her at this stage of her life, she decided it was time to live life to the fullest. Wanting to give her daughter a taste of her own childhood, Leslene became the proud owner of 300 acre dairy farm in Tulare, she efficiently managed her various properties and enjoyed owning a dairy farm near family keeping her in the loop with her extended family and childhood friends. Leslene loved traveling, especially to Portugal and she was an avid Rams fan, evidenced by how she held onto her assigned seating season tickets for many years, attending countless home games with lil Presley in tow. She loved nothing more than spending time with her big ole “Portuguese family” back home and rarely missed the opportunity to get together. We hope you can join us as we gather to celebrate her life and can share with us all, what she meant to you. On December 14, 2022, the family will have a viewing at 6:00 pm for those that care to come and say their final goodbye, followed by a Rosary Mass in her honor at 7:00 pm at the Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel of Santa Barbara. Funeral Service is scheduled for December 15, 2022 @ 10:00 a.m. at the San Roque Catholic Church, Santa Barbara, immediately followed by a burial at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery, also of Santa Barbara. The family would like to express their appreciation for the care given by both Sarada and Dr. Kearney with the VNA Palliative care team as well as both Melinda Wax and Marcela Taylor with VNA Hospice care. We also would like to sincerely thanks those that took the time to visit and just drop in to see how Leslene, Chipper and Presley were doing, this extends to both friends back home as well as the local community. Special recognition needs to be extended to her lifelong friend, Julie Bettencourt Smiley. Julie always had a meal in tow and offered so much advice and much needed emotional support. The family of Georges Bitar, his wife Nicole and sons Nic, Nathan and Charlie. Nicole has been just amazing to all the family, no box was left unchecked with Nicole as she would consistently stop by with a meal or two per day, at times with her boys to extend their emotional support to us all. Presley has too been blessed with amazing teachers that have taken the time to stop by and likewise her fellow classmates that have sent their cards and condolences. For this reason, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Monte Vista Elementary School in her memory. Donations may be mailed to 730 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.