Edith May Lessie

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mother and Grandmother. Born Ewa Oleksiuk to Peter and Dora Oleksiuk in Gonor, Manitoba, Canada. She was preceded by her beloved husband of 63 years, Jack Lessie, and her oldest son, Kenneth Lessie. She will be forever missed by her son, Lawrence (Kelli) Lessie of Temecula, California; her grandchildren Kimberly (Charles) Donaldson of Carmel, Indiana; Jennifer (Edwin) Green of Westfield, Indiana; Reegan Lessie of Carlsbad, California; Jamie Lessie of Temecula, California and Jake (Whitney) Lessie of Vista, California. She was also greatly loved by her great-grandchildren Emily (Nathan) Cardwell of Noblesville, Indiana; Sarah (Michael) Ortiz of Carmel Indiana and Max Lessie of California as well as her great-great grand-daughter Violet Ortiz of Indiana. Blessed to see her family often, many were with her in her last days reminiscing while son, Lawrence read stories of the past to her. We know she heard them because her last words were "Memories".

She had six siblings (all preceded her) Bill, Nick, Marge, Ethel, Rose and Danny all of Canada. She was a wonderful cook, loved to garden and canned her own food. Edith was a master quilter, having made every member of her family beautiful quilts to cherish. She continued to quilt until this year and never stopped donating charity quilts to the homeless, mothers-in-need and more.

Edith was a dedicated, intelligent, astute business woman helping her husband run their business, J & J Neon Signs in Hammond, Indiana until they retired in 1977. She was a christian woman devoted to her God and Jesus. She taught Sunday School for over 40 years and brought many to a relationship with Christ. She was so proud of her heritage and always stressed how important it was for her family to continue to honor their Ukrainian traditions. A great wife, mother and grandmother, she will be sorrowfully missed. Her passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts.

You can only have one mother

Loving, kind and true

No other friend in all the world

Will be so true to you

For all her love and kindness,

She asked nothing in return.

If all the world deserted us,

To our mothers we could turn.

Treasure her with care

For you will never know her value

Til you see she is not there.

To sit and talk with her awhile

To be together in the same old way

Would be our wish today.

A private family service will be held in Crown Point, Indiana.