Portia H. Leet

Portia Heaps Leet, a resident of Redwood Shores since 1988, died peacefully of cancer on July 2, at home surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Portia was born in Evanston, Illinois on April 20, 1938 to Porter and Dorothy Heaps, where her father was an internationally known organist. She attended Stanford University where she received her B.S. in Mathematics in 1960. At Stanford, she met Jaren Leet, who she married and with whom she had two children, Julie Ann and John Porter Leet. After graduating from Stanford, they spent their initial years in Fort Huachuca in southern Arizona, afterwards moving to Portola Valley and Monte Sereno, where her children were raised. After living briefly in Hong Kong, Portia returned to California and worked for Stanford University in the School of Engineering Development Office and in the Sports Medicine department, and in retirement, worked as a bookkeeper. Her zest for life was limitless in both the relationships she formed, and the numerous lives she touched in the activities she pursued. She was always known for her strength, determination and positive outlook. She was an avid golfer, regularly traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad to pursue her passion. Portia also enjoyed cycling and participated in rides including Danskin Triathlon and the Cinderella bike ride in Livermore. Although her friends always said that she curtailed her cycling because it cut into her time on the golf course! Later in life, she traveled to Mongolia in 2010 to run in the International Gobi Marathon with a close friend. As her cancer became more impactful to her daily life, she was forced to give up these activities, but continued her bookkeeping work until just a few weeks before her passing. Portia is survived by her partner Larry Wallace; her children, Julie and John; her four grandchildren, Elynn Reierson, Jessi Hagelshaw, Kelsey Leet and Keller Leet; by many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and by a wide circle of friends and former clients whom she loved and who loved her. We wish also to thank the Sutter Care at Home Hospice for its unfailing care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Stanford University, the Evanston Township High School Foundation, the Peninsula Symphony, Facing History, or the charity of your choice.