Leanne Harrison Giles

Leanne Harrison Giles

December 10, 1947 – June 2, 2026

Leanne Harrison Giles, beloved wife of Peter, mother, grandmother, sister, and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 78.

Leanne was born on December 10, 1947, to Curt and Deanne Harrison in Provo, Utah. She was the oldest of their five children and grew up moving between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Palo Alto, California. She excelled in sports, home economics, and public speaking. From an early age, her father described her as a doer. She was someone who could sense what her family and friends needed before they knew they needed it. She was a capable oldest daughter, helping care for her younger siblings with quiet confidence and a giving heart. These qualities, along with her deep faith in Jesus Christ, guided her throughout her life.

Leanne continued her education at Brigham Young University, where she met and married the love of her life, Peter Giles, on September 10, 1968. They built a loving family together for 57 years and were blessed with eight children, whom she cherished deeply. In the 1970s, with three children aged five and under in tow, she moved with Peter to Tehran for a year. She gave birth to their daughter Afton while there. This was an early glimpse of the fearless, go-anywhere spirit that defined her life; on their return home, Leanne insisted they fly east from Iran so she could travel around the world, herding four young children and 19 pieces of luggage.

Leanne had a remarkable gift for making each of her children feel valued and seen. She made sure her children could cook, clean, and contribute to a happy home. She filled her home with hundreds of children's books she loved to read aloud, cheered at countless sporting events, scouting ceremonies, and performances, stayed up late to sew costumes and knit sweaters, and found simple ways to make each child feel loved in a house that was rarely quiet. One of her guiding beliefs was that every member of a family contributes to a happy and loving home, each with their own unique gifts.

Although Leanne always considered Palo Alto home, she and Peter shared a lifelong love of worldwide travel; particularly Hawaii, where they lived in both Hilo and Maui and where she devoted herself to serving others. Her love for the Hawaiian people moved her to action. After Hurricane Iniki devastated Kauaʻi in September 1992, she went door to door to local Palo Alto businesses, personally asking for and receiving tens of thousands of pounds of relief supplies and Christmas toys. She then convinced the U.S. Navy to deliver them to the island of Kaua’i.

Leanne served her congregation faithfully in many capacities, including as Relief Society President, Primary President, Seminary Teacher, Primary Teacher, and Nursery Leader. But her faith was never confined to a calling. She lived what might be called a pragmatic Christianity; she was always looking for those in need and quietly pitching in to help, regardless of whether it was her responsibility. Leanne and Peter also committed their lives to regular family reunions, traveling together, and celebrating milestones as a family. They journeyed through many adventures, job changes, and evolving muumuu styles along the way.

In her later years, she lovingly cared for her own parents and found great joy in watching her children and grandchildren grow. She loved watching movies together, assembling puzzles, building Legos, and listening to them talk about their lives. Two and a half years ago, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and she faced that challenge with strength, optimism, and grace. She fought for more time with the people she loved. Her family will be forever grateful for that gift of time. Her love for her family sustained and strengthened all of us.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Amy, her sister Janet, and her parents.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Peter, and their seven children: Adam (Kristy), Jen (Dave), Taylor (Sarah), Afton, Ryan (Jamie), Sara (Carlos), and Kimber (Julian), along with 25 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren who adore her. She is also survived by her siblings, in-laws, and many beloved extended family members including cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 3865 Middlefield Road. A viewing will be held at 11:00 a.m. A private interment will follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank her ward family for their loving care, friendship, and support of Leanne and all those she loved.

Funeral Services

Friday, June 12, 2026 • Noon

Viewing at 11:00 a.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

3865 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

A private interment will follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery. The family wishes to thank her ward family for their loving care and support of Leanne and all those she loved.