Hayden Teacher's Estate Funds New Botanical Garden

Steamboat Springs —Nadine Leslie left her entire estate to several Hayden nonprofits, a decision that is currently reshaping the physical landscape of the town she called home for a lifetime.

The most visible result of this generosity is a new botanical garden dedicated to the Leslie family, located on the Highway 40 side of the Hayden Public Library. The garden was formally dedicated at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, honoring Nadine, along with her sister Janet and brother Richard. Nadine, who died on Jan. 2, 2025, at age 79, was the last of the three children born to Truman and Velora Leslie.

The creation of this space was driven by Ana Lash, the Hayden Public Library director, and her board. Lash noted that Nadine and Janet were longtime teachers in Hayden, describing them as "wonderful, amazing women." Because Nadine was "the last of the line," the library board decided to honor her memory by completely revamping the library’s exterior. The project included building a new library sign and installing a handmade bench carved in the shape of a book by a board member.

The financial backing for this transformation came directly from Nadine’s will. She left money to the West Routt Library District, which used the gift to create the new community space. This area serves as a lasting memory for the Leslie family, who have been integral to Hayden since Truman and Velora arrived in 1943. The couple purchased the local pharmacy, a building that now houses Franciosi Brothers Tap and Table, where they raised their children.

Beyond the library, Nadine’s legacy extends to other institutions that received portions of her estate. These include the Hayden Heritage Center, The Haven Assisted Living center, Totally Kids, and the Hayden Congregational Church. At the church, Nadine attended mass and sang with the choir, a role that reflected her deep connection to the community.

Butch McKune, a friend who helped care for Nadine in her final months, highlighted the anonymity with which she gave. "She just did it anonymously and with a big heart," McKune said. He emphasized that her humility meant she rarely sought recognition for her contributions.

Laurel Watson, curator for the Hayden Heritage Center, echoed this sentiment, describing Nadine as someone who worked "in the background holding everybody up." Watson pointed out that Nadine "didn’t really want any accolades for what she did," a trait that defined her public persona even as her private generosity grew.

Nadine’s own path to this status was marked by education and travel. Born at Solandt Hospital in Hayden, she graduated from Hayden High School in 1963 as Valedictorian. She continued her studies at Colorado State College (now Colorado State University), graduating in 1967. During her time there, she was recognized in the 1966 publication of Outstanding Young Women in America.

Following graduation, Nadine joined the Peace Corps, traveling to the Philippines to teach English for two years. She then traveled through Asia and Europe with a friend before returning to Hayden. Her return brought her back to the community where she would eventually leave her mark, not through fame, but through the quiet, sustained support of the organizations that serve it today.