Lesley Lara

Lesley Margaret (Stevens) Lara passed away peacefully and into the hands of our Lord on December 18, 2023, surrounded by her family. They kept vigil with her at Granite VNA Hospice where she was well cared for by their first-class staff. She faced life and death bravely and with an amazing humor. This carried on through her final days, comforting the ones around her until the end.

Born Lesley Margaret Stevens on March 1,1952, and nicknamed ‘Daisy May’, the 4th of seven children. She was a graduate of Bishop Brady High School, class of 1970. She worked at Concord Clinic for several years until she joined the Concord Civil Air Patrol as a Wing Administrator, proudly becoming a Lieutenant Colonel during her service. Throughout her career at CAP she played an integral role in search and rescue missions and Emergency response and preparedness training. She received many other distinguished awards during her career of over 30 years as a public servant.

Lesley was a lover of early mornings, she found peace watching and listening to the birds as she sipped her coffee. She was a woman of faith and prayed innumerable prayers for those she loved throughout her lifetime. Her greatest joy came from her family and being a mom and protector to the children she loved so dearly, often being referred to by her children’s friends as “Mumma Lesley.” There is no doubt it was because she embodied what it means to be a mom. She made everyone feel special with the abundance of empathy, compassion and love she provided to all those in her life. Lesley had an amazing ability to forgive and forget. She would never hold a grudge or turn her back on anyone. She was an incredibly strong woman who faced difficult times with bravery, laughter, and prayers. Often, she would comfort her children in times of need by saying “One day at a time” and “this too shall pass.”

During her lifetime, Lesley would reach out to family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike with jokes, smiles, hugs and any help she could offer. She made the world a better place with her authenticity and kindness. Lesley loved her life and those with whom she shared it. She now rejoices and waits with her parents, grandparents, and her "Sista" Sarah for our great family reunion.

Lesley leaves behind many dearly beloved family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband Santos Lara Sr. and seven children, whom she loved beyond words and proudly called hers. Jeremy, Marylin, Joseph, Loren, Megan, Santos Jr. and her greatest treasure, her grandson Jeremy Jay (JJ). Additionally, she is survived by ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild, with a second on the way which she was delighted to hear the news of. She also leaves behind her cherished siblings Susan Stevens Beno and her husband Charles Beno, Mark Stevens and his wife Catherine Stevens, Robert Stevens and his wife Brenda Stevens, Lisa Stevens, and twelve nieces and nephews, all of whom she had a special place for in her heart. Lesley was predeceased by her parents Robert and Thelma Stevens of Concord, NH and her baby sister Sarah Stevens Riley.

The family will receive visitors 11:00am-12:00pm Friday, January 19, 2024, at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 172 King Street in Boscawen, NH. Funeral Service will begin at noon in the funeral home chapel, with burial immediately to follow at New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway in Boscawen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Granite VNA Hospice, Concord NH. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please visit https://phaneuf.net/.