Leslie Elaine McCann

"I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."   Psalm 4:8

Leslie Elaine McCann died in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 6, 2021, in Show Low, Arizona. She was 34 years old.  Leslie was born on a Monday, May 25, 1987, in Anaheim Hills, California to her parents, Anthony Nance and Rochee Hochgesang. 

Leslie was a graduated member of Temescal Canyon High School's Class of 2005. She was well liked by everyone and she had many friends. Being reared in southern California, she had ample opportunity to be around water.  She liked swimming and loved going to the beach with both family and friends. She had the most beautiful eyes. Somedays they looked blue. Other days they looked green and on other days they looked gray.  "You wanted to get lost in her eyes" and her suntan always made her eyes sparkle and twinkle just a little bit more. Throughout her life, Leslie's smile could light up the room. Following her high school graduation, she worked a short time for Albertson's and later became a bank teller for Chase Bank. Leslie was sweet, simple, modest and humble in her daily living and outlook. She sought for truth in all things and observed others intently. She asked many questions in seeking that truth. She truly saw the beauty in this world. 

On July 6, 2005, Leslie became a mother, when her eldest son, Vadin, was born. She adored him and he adored her. She took on the responsibility of being a single mother wholeheartedly. On December 19, 2013, she married her forever sweetheart, Donald Earl "D.J." McCann in San Marcos, California. She saved him and he was so in love. They shared many happy times during the course of their marriage and also had more than their share of heartaches. No matter what challenge was placed in front of them, they faced it and took it on bravely and, from it, they experienced immeasurable growth. They welcomed their daughter, Graceyn, on September 4, 2014. The joy that little bundle of heaven brought into their home was immense. Leslie's first priority was that of being the best "Mommy" ever to her little girl.  She worked tirelessly to see that her every need was tended to, all a while keeping her home nice and tidy as well.  She loved being a homemaker and she knew her way around a kitchen and made fabulous meals for her family. She loved to eat and had many favorite cuisines.  She kept her household organized and planned everything from budgeting to vacations. On November 16, 2015, Leslie's and her family's world was unexpectedly turned upside down, which began her five month journey in the hospital. During this time she was already pregnant with her third child. On March 2, 2016, Leslie gave birth to a little boy. Though his stay on earth was not meant to last, he passed away on April 13, 2016, and they were grateful to add him to their 'Forever Family.' The grief they experienced at his passing was painful and great. 

She had a strong relationship with God and daily did her best to live her 'best' life. She had certainty in her faith and was so thankful for the blessings of her life. Those blessings not only included her husband and children but, they extended to her parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents as well as, her aunts, uncles and many, many cousins. Her family rejoices in knowing that "Families Are Forever" because of the sacrifices of the Savior and Redeemer of the World, Jesus Christ. She was the firstborn of a large family and she set a great example for her younger siblings to follow. She was their first friend and mentor. As siblings, they were extremely close and loved each other deeply. 

When Leslie closed her eyes in this life, she opened them to the next, where she was reunited with her baby boy, Daxon McCann. One can only imagine the intense feeling of love that engulfed her as she was able to finally love him the way only a mother could love. Leslie is survived by her husband, Don "DJ" McCann of Show Low, AZ; son, Vadin VanDyke (McCann) of Show Low, AZ; daughter, Graceyn McCann of Show Low, AZ; mother, Rochee (Jody) Phipps of Lake Elsinore, CA; father, Anthony "Tony" (Sarah) Nance of Hemet, CA; siblings: Casey Nance of San Clemente, CA, Shelby Nance of Lake Elsinore, CA, Bailey Bowe of Encinitas, CA, Aaron Bowe of Lake Elsinore, CA, Triston Bowe of Lake Elsinore, CA, Molly Bowe of Lake Elsinore, CA, Mihko Hancock of Lake Elsinore, CA, Joshua Nance of Hemet, CA, Jordan Nance of Hemet, CA; grandparents, Diana & Bruce Hochgesang and David & Debbie Nance. Along with her baby boy, she was preceded in death by her grandmother, Beverly Thomas.