BAPTIST Surrounded by her family, Lesley Anne Philbrick Baptist died Thursday, August 28 at age 67 following a short illness. She was a gentle and devoted wife and mother who loved the people of her adopted home, New Orleans. An artist to her bones, she noticed beauty in all things, and created it in her home as well as in the lilting design of her artwork. She is survived by William Dawson Baptist, her husband of 48 years, daughters Beth and Amy, father and stepmother, Dick and Jackie Philbrick; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Barbara Philbrick, beloved nephews and niece, Eric, Brian, and Jessie; devoted future son-in-law John Morello; cousin Liz Blankenship Wilson, her husband John, and children Scott, Lisa, and Gil; cousin Penny and her husband Jacques Feuillians, and their children Danielle and Charlotte; and her aunt Anne "Sis" Hall. She was preceded in death by her mother Betty Balcolm Philbrick, her dear friend, Liz Holly, her mother and father-in-law Ted and Margaret Baptist, and her "Grandmother" Bennaca. Among other pursuits, Lesley was a founder of the first New Orleans La Leche League chapter, sang in the First Presbyterian Church choir under the direction of her friend Rachelen Lien, and volunteered in the Newman School library when her daughters were young students. She attended school in Wiesbaden, Germany, and at Bennington College in Vermont. Lesley's life was a precious blessing to all who knew her. Memorial gathering will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, La., on Friday, September 12, 2008. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service to following at 12:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider contributions to the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Louisiana, 650 Poydras St., New Orleans, La. 70130, or St. Francis Animal Sanctuary. Please visit and sign family guestbook at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.