Lesa Wilber: Unadilla Friends and family will be gathering to say goodbye to our dear Lesa on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at the Westcott-Madden Funeral Home in Unadilla. Calling hours start at noon, memorial service at 1:00, with burial immediately following at the Evergreen Hill Cemetery also in Unadilla.

Lesa was 97 years young, full of life and a friend to everyone. She was known for her positive attitude and active lifestyle. "Live while you're living" she would say and she did. She loved Sunday drives, gardening, dancing and was generous with hugs and caring. Right up until her last days Lesa was cheerfully humming the song in her head and out with friends. She was "striving for 100" and everyone who knew her had no doubt she'd make it... but "97 out of 100 ain't bad" and we're all so proud to be part of her journey.

Lesa's journey began on February 4, 1919 in Hingham Wisconsin. Daughter of Lee DeRyter and Shirley (Pierce) Nelson, she was the eldest sister to 5 siblings, of which her dear sister Pat Langkabel survives. Lesa married her childhood sweetheart, Vernon B. Wilber of Gilbertsville in 1939, and together they settled in Unadilla where they raised Diane Marie and Dennis Benjamin and enjoyed 72 years of marriage and memories. 

A lifetime of 97 years includes many heartbreaks as Lesa mourned the loss of family and friends, including her son Dennis while he was still a young man, and her husband Vern who recently predeceased her. Strong faith in God, a rich love of life, and the comfort of many friends brought her through those sad times and kept her thankful for her many blessings, which she would remember to count frequently. Lesa raised her family in the Unadilla Baptist Church and attended both the Friends Church and First Presbyterian Church in later years. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all the very special friends who helped to keep Lesa's life so joyful and active, with special gratitude to neighbor, Betty Youngs, for your support Wednesday morning.

Lesa will be missed dearly by her daughter, Diane Ray; daughter in-law, Rita (Wilber) Bowers and countless family and friends. She was grandmother to: Benjamin Wilber, Cheryl (Wilber) Montgomery, Kelly Ray, Scott Ray and Diane Ray- Dewey. Great grandmother to: Koren & Elijah Barr, Colton & Elyas Montgomery.

Donations can be made to the SPCA, the churches above, or charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be made at: www.wmaddenfh.com

Arrangements by the Westcott-Madden Funeral Home, 123 Main St Unadilla, NY

 Service Information