Jordan Rose Leon
October 05, 2019
While Jordan was killed in a tragic accident she left us a legacy that was anything but tragic. She lived her life making a difference. She was passionate about the things she believed in, curious and intense. From climate change to women’s rights to advocacy for the Deaf she wanted all of us to be better and do more. She left her corner of the world a more caring, compassionate and inclusive place than what she found it.
On a local level, she wanted people to be nice. Jordan fought tenaciously for herself and others. Being Deaf she knew what it felt like to not fit in easily and she made serious and committed efforts to welcome others in the ways that she wished she could have been welcomed. She started an ASL club at Ankeny High school to bring people together. Jordan was open about her experiences with depression in the hopes that the stigma could be lifted and that others would be more accepting.
She would like you to remember her as someone who made you want to do more. Voting was on her bucket list for 2020. Vote because she can’t (and she would vote Democrat). Vote with compassion and an open mind and question everything, knowing that your ballot impacts the lives of all of us. Practice random acts of kindness. Be inclusive. Sit with someone new at lunch or an office meeting. Be a voice for those who aren’t being heard. Help protect the planet with your vote and your voice. Rescue an animal (or two). Respect women. Be brave.
If we all remember her in these ways, the ripple effect of her short and beautiful life will be felt far beyond those whose lives she has already touched.
Jordan was born May 30, 2002 in Fairfax, Virginia and died October 6, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, you can honor Jordan with donations to The Trevor Project www.thetrevorproject.org or the Nyle DiMarco Foundation www.nyledimarcofoundation.com.
If you are unable to attend the celebration of her life on Thursday, October 17, condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Brenna Coleman, Ankeny Cantorei Member
10/11/2019
There are moments the words can't reach, to quote a musical. This seems like one of them. I may have never met Jordan, but I still grieve for her, with you. I have heard that she was a beautiful, amazing young lady, and I wish that perhaps I had gotten to know her. My prayers are with you. And they are with Jordan, in that land where she may hear music perfectly and see the stars brighter than ever before.
AHS Class of 2020 Mom
10/10/2019
Our hearts and prayers are with you. My daughter had Jordan in two of her classes and enjoyed seeing her everyday. Jordan impacted many in the class of 2020 and will not be forgotten.
Sarah Carlson
10/10/2019
Jordan was one the kindest, sweetest girls. Our family was stunned by the news when we found out on Sunday morning as my girls fell in love with her when we lived on our other street. Jordan, or her sister, Rachel, came down and babysat our girls when she was free and when she was home. She was a wonderful babysitter. She always took such good care of my kids and she would stay upstairs with them when we were gone at night time so that she would know if they needed anything since she was unable to hear much. Heaven gained a good person. If there is anything that can bring comfort to you during this time, let it be there are many people praying for your family during this difficult time.
AHS class of 2020 mom
10/10/2019
I am so sorry for your loss. My familys thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very difficult time. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about your daughter and know the whole community is grieving with you.
Candace Bryant
10/09/2019
Im sorry for your loss my heart and prayers are with you
AHS Class of 2020 Mom
10/09/2019
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine what you're going through right now. Know that many people are praying for your family through this difficult time.
Madisons lancaster
10/09/2019
Me and my cousin Reese use to hangout with Jordan a lot and she even taught me the sign language alphabet. We always had so much fun together and When I got the call about what happened I was and still am devastated. I pray for her and your family and I hope you all know how much of an impact your daughter had on me. She was an amazingly beautiful young lady and I wont ever forget all of the positivity she brought to my life.
AHS Class of 2020 Mom
10/09/2019
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. This is indeed a parent's worst fear. My prayers are with you for comfort. My daughter knew Jordan from choir and has only the very best things to say about her. My deepest condolences.
Savannah Smith
10/09/2019
Jordan was a beautiful girl that had the biggest heart ive ever seen. She never once had anything bad to say about anyone. Jordans heart was so big. She loved everyone she met. She had many goals set for herself. Whatever she wanted to achieve, she made it happen! I will forever cherish our last conversation about your Kum and Go breakfast sandwich! You are missed dearly beautiful girl!
AHS Mom
10/08/2019
Our family is so incredibly heartbroken for your family. Please know that all of the Ankeny community is grieving with you. Jordan has had many kind words said about her. She sounded like an incredible young woman.
Lewayne L. White
10/08/2019
So sorry for your heartbreak and loss...
PV Teacher
10/08/2019
So sorry for your loss, will be keeping you in our prayers. A beautiful person with a kind and loving heart.
Donna Wendt
10/08/2019
We had the pleasure of knowing Jordan from rec softball many years ago when she played with my daughter and my husband was her coach. Jordan was so sweet and kind. Jordan never let anything stand in her way and my daughter loved playing with her. Her beautiful smile was infectious and people were naturally drawn to her. I am heartbroken her mother and sister have to endure such a tragic loss. My deepest sympathies.
Southeast Teacher
10/08/2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. Jordan was such a wonderful girl. I was one of Rachel's teachers and Jordan would often visit my class to say hi. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ankeny Teacher
10/08/2019
I'm so sorry for your loss and cannot imagine your heartbreak. My prayers are with your family as you say good bye to this precious lovely girl who was a loved daughter, sister, friend, and leader. I had the honor of being Jordan's second grade teacher. She was a beautiful, kind, hard-working child and it sounds like she grew into a sweet, smart and remarkable young lady. My deepest condolences for your family.