Lesley was born in Brighton, England where she grew up during the war years. At age 14, she and twin brother Keith left school to work. In 1948, they came to Canada with their parents and siblings. She worked at the Tribune Newspaper as an assistant country editor, then in 1951 as an assistant United Church Minister in Red Lake, Ontario. In 1960, she fulfilled her dream and became a staff member at North Winnipeg Inner City Church. There, Lesley and Ken met, worked and married in 1960.
Following her vow, “Wherever thou goest, I will go”, Lesley and Ken became a team, working and parenting together in most provinces and the Arctic. Together they met many who are still friends today, many welcomed Lesley into their choirs.
During those years, Lesley was successful as a School Special Needs Teacher’s Assistant and as a church CGIT (girl’s group) mentor. She also continued authoring as an informed and gifted writer.
Lesley is predeceased by her parents Stan and Dorothy Stutely; sisters Jean and Barbara; twin brother Keith; and daughter Marnie. She is survived by her husband Reverend Ken Crassweller; their sons Andrew and Mark and their families; nieces Erica and Rosemary as well as nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, care workers and support staff at (Rivera) James Bay Care Centre for their empathetic devotion and caring for Lesley during her dementia journey.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Greg
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Erica Simmons For my Uncle Ken and to you Auntie Lesley,
My aunt was kind sweet funny loving giving and an absolutely wonderful human being. She was like a mum to me too after my mum Jean (her older sister) passed.
We had many wonderful conversations over the years on the phone as she was in BC and well, I was in all the other western provinces. We laughed we cried, boy did we laugh.
I want to say a lot right now but tears get in the way. My heart hurts. I love you so much and will miss you so very much.Uncle Ken and I had a conversation tonight Nov 30. We believe you will be the Angel with ATTIDUDE!! ❤.
My last conversation with you I was Erica.
But I was always your Janey.Now being your fav niece don’t get up to too many shenanigans. You can always blame one of the older sisters Love you mum and Auntie Barbara. Haha
Love you always and forever
Onwards and upwards Your Janey!!!
❤XOXOXOXO❤
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Robert D Campbell My sincere condolences to Ken and family on Lesley’s passing. We so enjoyed getting to know the two of you when you were serving at Glenboro. Knowing Lesley helped us to be optimistic and hopeful.
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Joel Fair I hold such fond memories of Lesley (and Ken, of course) from my back pew at First United in Mission. They were a tour de force as a team and were the sterling representatives of the church family. My sincere condolences Ken, on the loss of your Lesley. JOEL Ross (Fair)
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Norene Thomson. Dear Ken and family. I am so sorry to read of Lesley’s passing. She was a lovely lady and a good Christian. She was a compassionate pastoral care giver to Bill and I.I always enjoyed her contributions to the gatherings of the “Nell Bell” group at Centennial United. God Bless you all as you grieve. Norene Thomson
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Ray and Julie Flemming Ken and family,
Both my husband Ray and myself will miss our lovely, kind friend and lady Lesley. One of many assets Lesley had was her warm way of always making one feel welcome. It would not surprise us if she was not a heavenly greeter in a receiving line welcoming others now. Praying for you all at this time and sending our love.
Greg, Cherie, & Dylon Simmons
Our sincere condolences uncle Ken so sorry to hear about auntie Lesley passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.