In 1923 Clarence Leifer moved his wife, Vina, and three children, Marion, Wayne and Gale, from Rosalia, Washington to Marysville.  What initially started in 1925 as a modest ten acre chicken and egg farm, grew into the largest privately owned strawberry farm in the Pacific Northwest.  Their youngest daughter, Donna, was born in 1930.

 

In 1947 Clarence and Vina began construction of their new home (which was just 4 houses south of the original farm).  Clarence took a great deal of pride in his workmanship and it wasn’t until Christmas in 1948 that he and Vina finally moved into what is now Leifer Manor.

 

In 1958 Donna moved to New York City and operated Secretarial Services at the New York Athletic Club for 12 years. Returning home she started the first public stenographic Services in Lynnwood, six months later, buying Highline Personnel, while in South County she was elected Vice-President of the South County Chamber of Commerce, President of Edlynn Bros. and Professional Women's Club; President of Sno-King Soroptomists, President of New Day Board; as well as heading the 1975 South County United Way Drive. In 1980 the first elected Snohomish County Executive Willis D. Tucker, recruited her as his Executive Assistant. After 12 years of service to the county, Donna desired an opportunity to once again operate her own business and found inspiration in the beautiful home her father had built nearly 50 years prior.  With the same pride her father exhibited in building his home, Donna began what is now known as Leifer Manor.  Operating from May through mid-October as a covered outdoor facility for weddings, receptions and other special occasions, Leifer Manor has earned distinction as a premier event location.

 

Donna’s daughter Melody shares her vision for Leifer Manor and, since 1996, has enjoyed working with her mother as a partner.  As Melody’s four daughters – Ashley, Brittany, Alexis and Courtney – get older, Melody looks forward to passing on the same lessons she has learned from her mother in the operation of Leifer Manor.  Until then, keep your eye out and you will probably spot one of them directing you in the parking lot or wiping down the chairs.  If you look really hard, you may even find Melody’s husband Chris emptying the garbage (but don’t count on it!).