Mary K. Lesh

Mary K. Lesh of Trumansburg passed away at her daughter’s home on Monday, August 30, 2021 at the age of 77.

She was born on May 27, 1944 in Waverly and graduated from Spencer High School. Mary worked for over 25 years at the Owego Pennysaver as the Art Director in addition to doing free-lance graphic design for local authors and publications. She was a talented painter, photographer and stained-glass artist as well.  Following her husband’s retirement, the two moved to beautiful St. Francisville, Louisiana where she became the head gardener at Rosedown Plantation before working over 20 years as a gardener at the McDaniel/Roland estate where she was beloved by the family and her colleagues. Her work ethic was remarkable, and she had no plans to retire.  As a young farm girl and while bringing up her family Mary gardened, raised animals, rode horses, and loved to read.

Mary is survived by her two children, Katrina (Mike) Houseworth and Richard (Destiney) Hein; five step children, Don (Lori) Lesh, Dorry (Ed) Vargo, Darryl (Tammy) Lesh, Deneen (George) Diller, and Dawn (Rich) Rose; four grandchildren, Ian (Kiera) Heck, Savanna (Vincent) D’Andrea, Jack Houseworth, and Makenna (Dan) LaJoie; and many step grandchildren. She is also survived by her dear childhood friend Grace Koch.  She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather Patricia and Don Carlyle; her beloved husband of 32 years, Dick Lesh; stepson, Doug Lesh; and two brothers, James and Thomas McKee.

Mary’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to Care First Hospice, Painted Post.  In keeping with Mary’s wishes, services will be private for family.