1949-2025

Leslie Joann (Gregory) Hyko, 76, of Camano Island, WA, passed away on August 30, 2025.

Born in Seattle to Robert and Celia (Carter) Gregory, Leslie grew up in Friday Harbor, where she cherished a small-town childhood surrounded by family and friends. One of her first jobs was working in the San Juan County Bank, but she would often recount fondly her time as a “slimer” at Jackson’s Fish Cannery. While a junior at Friday Harbor High School, Leslie met the love of her life, Allen Hyko, when he moved to Friday Harbor. They were crowned King and Queen of the Senior Prom and a few years later they married at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, where they remained active members for many years.

Music always stirred her soul—she lent her voice to both the church choir and the San Juan Singers, and in recent years could often be found joyfully singing along to her favorite “oldies” with Allen by her side.

A true lover of nature, Leslie found joy in birdwatching, gardening, and later became a Master Gardener while living in Bellingham. Her artistic spirit bloomed through quilting, where she combined color and pattern into works of art that now live on as family heirlooms.

Leslie’s generous heart guided much of her life. She served on the San Juan County Fair Board, volunteered with Hospice, and helped others as an English as a Second Language tutor. Her legendary pies were a highlight at every family gathering, baked with the same care and love she poured into every part of her life.

Above all, Leslie will be remembered for her warmth, laughter, love of ice cream, and the sparkle in her eyes when surrounded by family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose presence was a gift to all who knew her. Her love lives on in every quilt, every story, and every memory she leaves behind.

Leslie is survived by her beloved husband, Allen; her daughters, Erin (Isaac) Hyko and Allison (Jason) Smigel; her granddaughters, Aden and Gigi; and many extended family members and friends.