Waneta Mae Lesage

Waneta Lesage, born September 16, 1930, in Franconia, NH, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, in Concord, NH, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness. 

Waneta was a proud mother to Eleanor Lugton of Warren, NH, Clayton Bishop of Greenwich, NY, the late Dawn Ray of Arizona, Randall Bishop of Lebanon, NH, and Terry Cislak of Hillsborough, NH. She is survived by her grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Waneta was predeceased by her beloved siblings Naomi Flanders, Janis Chamberlain, Faye Hawes, Lawrence Drew, and Buster Hawes. She is survived by her loving sisters Joan Bronson of Winchendon, MA, Noreen Beland of Littleton, NH, and Francene Hilliard of Campton, NH.

She was the cherished daughter of the late Lurlene Drew of Franconia, NH, whom she deeply adored and admired. Waneta was married to her best friend and love of her life, the late Raoul Lesage of Manchester, NH, for 35 wonderful years.

Waneta spent much of her life in Manchester, NH, working as a school bus monitor for the NH Easter Seals, a role she took great pride in. She was an avid reader, a devoted grandmother, and a true Dunkin’ Donuts enthusiast who brought warmth and kindness to everyone she met.

There will be no services, as this was Waneta’s wishes. A remembrance and celebration of life will be held to honor her legacy at a later date.