Leona passed away peacefully in Sarah House of Santa Barbara in the loving presence of family and friends.

Her younger brother recalls his childhood with his inquisitive and supportive sister, exploring the outdoors and developing a life-long interest in nature and adventure.  Throughout her life she demonstrated this by attempting one new thing per month.

She set out in her life with two goals, get a good education and see the world. This was Leona’s passion and love.  She earned her PHD in Philosophy from Pacifica Graduate Institute and definitely saw the world. She was a woman of adventure and often would tell tales of her many international journeys.  Whether meeting face to face with a penguin in Antarctica, walking the jungles of Africa, working on a Russian research vessel in the Arctic Circle or riding in a bi-plane over Santa Barbara, she was always eager to share her experiences to the delight of her many friends. .

Leona appreciated her community and volunteered whenever possible. She was a docent of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Ty Warner’s Sea Center, Carpinteria Bluffs Sea Lions Nursery and the Marjorie Luke Theater. She also loved music and was a member of Mama Pat’s Inner Light Community Gospel Choir and Paradise Singers.  When she wasn’t singing she was supporting the various musical venues and theaters around Santa Barbara.  Further, her sense of service led to her career as a social worker in Santa Barbara County (child adoptions) as well volunteering in the U. S. Navy.

Leona loved people, nature, music and theater.  She made friends easily and will be truly missed by many whose lives she touched over the years.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Cory.  She is survived by her brother Don Pendleton (& Wife Kathy).

There will no services, however we ask that you remember her by walking one of her favorite trails or taking an adventure you have never done before.