Grace E. (McMillen) Lesure

Grace E. Lesure, of Ashfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday November 6, 2025 at Cooley Dickenson Hospital after a brief illness. She was born November 8, 1935 in Laurens, New York to Frank and Constance McMillen. Grace attended school in Conway and Deerfield. She worked at the Registry of Deeds in Greenfield and then for Attorney Richard Bishop, finally retiring at the age of 82.
Grace met her husband, Donald Lesure, in high school. They married on April 2,1957. Grace and Don loved dancing, family gatherings, occasional shenanigans (elaborate Halloween scares come to mind), and they were active in a variety of Ashfield organizations and events. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by joining friends to throw a square dance at town hall to benefit a town hall restoration project.
Grace will be remembered for her work with the Ashfield Historical Society, where she served for many years. She was meticulous, resourceful and took great pride and interest in Ashfield’s past. Grace’s final years with the Historical Society were devoted to being the museum curator. She especially enjoyed inviting Sanderson Academy students into the museum to learn local history.
Grace loved making beautiful things. She knit gorgeous sweaters, sewed wedding dresses and baby quilts, made doll clothes and historical garments. Grace built elaborate dollhouses, refinished and upholstered furniture, and redecorated each home she lived in.
Grace cherished her close friends and spent hours chatting with them over coffee at the little table by the kitchen window. Grace was pleased that she could live independently until she was almost 90. She was loved by her family and her Ashfield community - she will be missed.
Grace is predeceased by her husband, Donald, her daughter, Lisa and her sister, Jean. She is survived by her sons, Mark and Scott (Sally), her grandchildren, Jamie, Jason, Jennifer, Mae and Guy, her sister Marion, her brother, Frank, her sister-in-law, Brenda and her son-in-law Frank plus numerous nephews, nieces, great-grandchildren, and friends. Special thanks to Frank, Layla, Eben, Joey and Cindy for helping Grace to maintain her independence.
No services are planned at this time. In memory of Grace, please donate to the Ashfield organization of your choice.

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