by 
To Leslie Anne West, the world was a stage in which she played many parts: artist (paintings, sculpture, jewelry), mother, gardener, actress and entrepreneur.
Leslie resided in Nevada City, California from 1966 to 1991. While there, she was a partner in a small restaurant, Bunce’s, in Grass Valley, CA. She then purchased Blackthorn’s, a basket shop in Grass Valley, and expanded it into a fine gift store. Balckthorn’s was later moved to a location on Broad Street in Nevada City.
In 1975, she partnered with her friend Diane Fetterly and husband Bruce to start The Foothill Theatre Company. She appeared in several productions, most notably ‘The Glass Menagerie’ and ‘Summer and Smoke’. Leslie was also the Company’s business manager.
In 1991, Leslie moved to Scottsdale and attended art classes at the Scottsdale Community College. She relocated in 1996 and established her studio in Superior.
Leslie passed away in Superior on July 26 at the age of 67, following a lengthy illness. She was born Leslie Anne Borden in Pittsburgh on May 7, 1945 and attended high school in Shingle Springs, CA.
She is survived by her son, Nathaniel (Ivonne) Borden West of El Monte, CA., husband Bruce Kimball West of Burbank, mother Maxine Borden of Ocean Shores, WA., sisters Bonnie Hall of Anchorage, AK and Christine Borden of FL,and niece Wendy Hudspeth of Anthem. It was her fondest wish to meet her first grandchild, Gabriel West, who was born on Aug. 16.
“Earth is here so kind, that just tickle her with a hoe and she laughs with a harvest.”
To comment on this article and others visit the Copper Area News Facebook or send us an email at CBNSun@MinerSunBasin.com
by by