Anita Louise Arellanes Leski

Anita Louise Arellanes Leski, a descendent of Sgt. Pablo Antonio Cota, one of the original soldiers at the Santa Barbara Presidio, passed away on December 15th at the age of 78. Anita was born on December 5, 1945 to Henry Sr. and Mary Louise Arellanes in Santa Barbara, CA.

Anita attended Dolores School, Bishop Garcia Diego High School, San Marcos High School and Santa Barbara City College. Anita described her childhood as being surrounded with kindness, love, laughter, music, dancing, and family gatherings.

With the same strong work ethic as her parents, Anita was a valued employee with Chevron Standard Oil, Varo Engineering, Delco Engineering, the City of Santa Barbara’s City Clerk’s office, Santa Barbara Planning Commission, and Sandpiper Village in Carpinteria. Anita enjoyed her role as a member of Fess Parker’s concierge team at his renowned Red Lion Resort.

Anita was a proud and devoted mother to her daughter Denita and son Anden from her marriage to Dennis Leski. She raised her children in Carpinteria, close to family and friends. While her children were in school Anita was active in Mt. Carmel School’s Parent Guild and the Parent Support Group at Carpinteria High School. She had headed her department’s sales for the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days and worked on the American Heart Association Heart Walk.

As an eighth generation Santa Barbaran, protecting and showcasing historic Santa Barbara was important to Anita. She was active in the Pearl Chase Society, a member of Reina del Mar Parlor No. 126, and Native Daughters of the Golden West. After a life-time of taking part in Santa Barbara’s Fiesta activities, in 1999 Anita portrayed the patron Saint Barbara for the 75th Old Spanish Days Fiesta Celebration. As Saint Barbara, she appeared in El Desfile Historico’s parade, at Fiesta Pequena and at Las Noches de Ronda, wearing the saint’s traditional white gown and scarlet robe, with a gold crown.

Anita was a great dancer whether at a party or when a favorite song came on the radio. Many happy memories were created during vacations to Hawaii, and visits to Anden in Arizona and Denita in Washington. Later in life, she delighted in her role as Nana to her granddaughters, who shared her love of dancing and time at the beach.

Anita is survived by her daughter Denita Leski (Jane) of Shoreline, Washington; her son Anden Leski (Jessica) of Scottsdale, Arizona; her grandchildren Anne, Kate, Mary, and June; her dear friend and sister-in-law Pat Arellanes and many close godchildren, nieces, cousins and friends.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents Henry Arellanes Sr., Mary Louise Cota Arellanes, and brother Henry Arellanes Jr.

The family would like to thank the staff at Gran Vida Assisted Living in Carpinteria and Belmont Village in Scottsdale for assisting with Anita’s care.

On Thursday, January 11th, 2024, services and burial are scheduled for 11:00am at Calvary Cemetery, 199 N. Hope Ave. Santa Barbara, CA. A memorial gathering for Anita will be held at Harry’s Plaza Cafe in Santa Barbara as well, please RSVP at denita447@gmail.com or 206-849-7665.