Leslie Mackay Veazey, 51, of Rexburg, Idaho, passed away Monday, July 17, 2023, as the result of an automobile accident near Idaho Falls, Idaho. Leslie was born on May 31, 1972, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Jerald and Jeane Young Mackay. She lived most of her life in Rexburg but had recently moved to Idaho Falls a few months prior to her passing.

Leslie grew up in Rexburg with her parents and two older brothers, Jeff and Dave, and younger brother, Todd. As a child, Leslie was sweet, sensitive, and inquisitive. She loved puzzles, dolls, and singing. During her elementary years, she was a proud member of the Rainbow Connection choir.

She graduated from Madison High School in 1990. After high school she attended Ricks College where she earned an associate degree in early childhood education and went on to be a Head Start teacher. Later, she worked at Melaleuca for nearly 15 years in a job that she loved and took pride in and had great success in winning assortments of prizes from company drawings.

When she was in her twenties, she married Komi Emmanuel Fiagbe. They later divorced, in 2004 she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Veazey. They were married on February 26, 2005.

Leslie loved her family. When her baby brother Todd, with whom she had a deep bond tragically passed away at the age of fourteen, she commemorated him every year and often visited his grave. Once her parents passed away, she did the same for them. Though she never had children of her own, she doted on her niece, nephews, and great nieces and nephew like they were her own; always checking in with them, snapping pictures, and beaming with pride about their accomplishments to others. She especially enjoyed taking them to her favorite places, such as the carousel across the street from her childhood home.

A social butterfly, Leslie loved to be out and about. Any time there was a local event, whether it was a Melaleuca picnic or town parade, she was there, with Bob in tow. Practically everywhere she went, someone would recognize her and strike up a conversation. She delighted in connecting with people and always made an effort to maintain friendships. She cherished spending time with Bob, whether they were watching movies, playing games, or having enriching conversations, they were inseparable.

Above all, Leslie will be remembered for her love for her friends and family, ability to accept others for who they were and embrace diversity, and for her gentle demeanor.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jerald and Jeane Mackay; brother, Todd Mackay, she is survived by her husband, Bob Veazey, brothers; Jeff (Karla) Mackay and Dave Mackay; niece, Jessica Brown, nephews, Cody (Karina) Mackay, Josh Mackay, Cameron Mackay, and Jared Mackay, great nieces, Elleah Brown and Isla Mackay, and great nephew Darius Brown.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the Sutton-Archer Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.