Leigha had a rare and beautiful gift—she made life brighter just by being in it. She was endlessly curious, full of passion, and deeply present with the people she loved. She didn’t just make friends; she built a family, listening with her whole heart and caring in a way that made everyone around her feel truly seen.
She lived for adventure and wanted to experience everything the world had to offer. Armenia became her second home—a place she loved fiercely, not just for its beauty, but for its people and its future. She was here through some of Armenia’s hardest moments and never turned away. She was here when Armenia needed strength, and she gave it everything she could. She believed in giving back, in helping however she could, in making a difference. Losing Leigha is an immeasurable loss, but we want to honor her in a way that reflects the love and impact she left behind.
In knowing how much Leigha loved Armenia, we wanted to create something lasting—something that combines her love for the natural world and the country she held close to her heart. In her honor, we are aiming to raise $40,000 to plant a forest in her name through My Forest Armenia. This will include a dedicated plot of 20,000 trees with fixed GPS coordinates, and a signboard in her name—creating a lasting tribute to her life and spirit. The donation will cover not just the planting of seedlings, but also their growth and care, including three years of maintenance, along with 20 years of protection until the forest is fully established.
Knowing how much Leigha loved her family and eagerly awaited their visits to Armenia, this forest will also be a place for them—and all who loved her—to visit, a living tribute where her memory will continue to grow and flourish.
Forests are essential for the planet, and My Forest Armenia is working to restore Armenia’s lost woodlands. Their work doesn’t just fight climate change—it supports local communities, providing jobs and sustainable income to the people caring for these forests. With a forest of this size, we will be providing work to at least 50 people in remote villages, empowering them and helping sustain their livelihoods. This forest will also help combat desertification, one of the biggest environmental threats facing Armenia, ensuring that future generations will have access to the water and resources they need to thrive. By planting this forest, we are not only honoring Leigha’s memory, but also continuing the kind of work she cared about—ensuring a greener, stronger future.
Leigha was taken from this world far too soon. She had so many dreams left to chase, so much love left to give. Though she won’t get the chance to return to Armenia as she had hoped, her memory will live on here, rooted in the land she loved.
This forest will be a place of life, of renewal, of hope—just like she was.
Please help us reach our goal and plant this forest in Leigha’s honor. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us build something as lasting and beautiful as she was.
With love and gratitude,
Her Armenian family
Organized by GARNI BARONI
Los Angeles, CA