Our beloved Eleanore “Ellie” Mae Hawie Lesser, 82, a resident of Elkins, changed her mode of existence on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at Colonial Place, surrounded by family. She was born September 10, 1933, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Preceding her in death were her parents Gabriel S. and Adele Mary Hawie, a sister, Gladys L. Walker, a brother, Robert L. Hawie, and an infant daughter. On July 28, 1956, she married Walter A. Lesser, who survives in Elkins. Also surviving is a son, W. Hunter Lesser and wife Leann of Elkins, and a daughter, Donna Lesser of Florida, who returned to care for Ellie during the last one and one-half years of her life. Ellie graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in early childhood education. Before marriage, she taught kindergarten at the New York State School for the Blind, as well as in Syracuse, NY. Moving to Elkins in 1962, she was an early director of Augusta Heritage Center, a manager of the theater department at Davis & Elkins College, and activities director at the Randolph County Senior Center. She was a Deacon of the Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church and instrumental in the creation of a day care center for children with special needs. She was active in the National League of American Pen Women, Elkins YMCA, Emma Scott Garden Club, Mountain Weaver’s Guild, Izaak Walton League, Women’s Aid in Crisis, and Elkins Rehabilitation and Care Center. She was a published author, edited a book on antique wooden kitchen utensils, and was known for her “poems on the run”, written for friends and family. She and husband Walt owned Alder Run Kennels, nationally known for English Setters. An avid gardener, she had a large collection of bonsai trees. Ellie was also an accomplished knitter, spinner and weaver, giving many lectures and demonstrations. Always inquisitive, she attended a spinning seminar and learned how to raise silkworms. This resulted in some hilarious situations, and until her death she was recognized on the street as the “worm lady.” At Ellie’s request, her body was donated to the WVU School of Medicine, where she can continue to help the living. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church, 450 Randolph Avenue, Elkins, WV 26241; Randolph County Humane Society, 195 Weese Street, Elkins, WV 26241; Women’s Aid in Crisis, P. O. Box 2062, Elkins, WV 26241, or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be conducted Sunday, November 15 at 4:00 pm, at Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church, 450 Randolph Ave. Elkins. A dinner will follow the service.
