Lesley Eileen Case

Lesley Eileen Case, age 75, passed away of natural causes on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. She was born on September 9, 1948, in Kewanee, Illinois to Glenn and Hallie Case (nee Bell). Lesley was an avid swimmer and swam for the YMCA swimming team during her childhood and teenage years. After graduating from Kewanee High School in 1966, she attended and graduated from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas in 1970. Lesley joined the Peace Corps and served in Paraguay for 2.5 years. She returned to Kewanee in 1973 and taught second grade at Irving Elementary School. She loved children.

Lesley decided to change careers and returned to school at Rush University, earning a second baccalaureate degree and graduating as a registered nurse in 1979. She entered geriatric nursing and earned credentials in rehabilitation and dementia care. Lesley worked in skilled long-term care facilities most of her career, starting in Peoria, Illinois and later in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Lesley was passionate about caring for the elderly and giving them the best life she could. Understanding that pain and anxiety can be major negative components of community senior living, she studied to become a Reiki Master so she could ease pain and reduce anxiety. She was also fluent in Spanish and served as a volunteer interpreter in many healthcare settings.

Lesley devotedly cared for both of her parents in their final years and continued to live in their family home in Hot Springs Village after her retirement until her death. In her later years, Lesley suffered from organic brain disease. To those who knew her before her illness, she was known as the person who lovingly cared for people at Good Samaritan and made sure that those experiencing dementia had fun and joy in their daily lives. She was also known as the loving mom of her beloved dog, Jasper Jacob who was her constant companion.

Lesley Case is survived by her sister Glenna Case (Minneapolis, Minnesota) and brother Clark Case (Charles Town, West Virginia) and Jasper Jacob. Per Lesley’s request, no memorial service is planned. A private interment will take place in Kewanee, Illinois at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be directed to the Hot Springs Village Animal Welfare League, Inc. P. O. Box 8032, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas 71910.

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