Dr. Leslie Siemon, DVM, of Santa Barbara, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, in Carpinteria. She was 80.

Born in 1945 in San Francisco and raised in Bakersfield, California, Leslie was one of five children of Dr. Glenn and Isobel Siemon.

Raised in a family that valued learning and caring for others, Leslie developed an early love of animals that would shape the course of her life. She went on to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis.

Leslie dedicated her professional life to the treatment and well-being of animals, with a particular passion for cats. She co-founded Cat Doctors in Santa Barbara, beginning as a mobile veterinary practice before establishing a clinic on De La Vina Street.

At a time when feline medicine was still emerging as a specialty, Leslie was ahead of her field, creating a practice devoted exclusively to the unique needs of cats. She was known to her clients for her gentle manner, careful attention, and deep commitment to the animals entrusted to her care.

In 1972, Leslie married and had three sons Matthew, Ben and Andrew. Though she divorced in 2000, her role as a mother remained central to her life, and she maintained close relationships with her children. 

Outside of her veterinary work, Leslie found joy in creative and musical pursuits. She was an avid quilter and enjoyed sewing and knitting, often creating pieces that reflected both patience and artistry.

She also had a deep appreciation for Baroque music and played the recorder, finding in it both challenge and delight.

Leslie is survived by her sons Matthew, Ben and Andrew; and by her sisters Sue and Jane.

She will be remembered for her intelligence, her quiet creativity, and the compassion she showed to both people and animals throughout her life.

A private service will be held by the family.