Maria Lessard

Maria Alice Lessard, 71, of Barnet, VT died peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Canterbury Inn where she had been staying for the last few months.

Maria was born in St. Johnsbury, VT on February 20, 1954, daughter to Edmond and Clara (Bedor) Lessard. She was raised and educated in St. Johnsbury graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy, Class of 1972. In the early 1970s, she moved to her home in Barnet where she lived for the rest of her life. Maria worked at Burndy Manufacturing in Littleton, NH for over 40 years. After her retirement she kept in touch with many of her co-worker friends.

In her early years Auntie, as she was called by family, loved to follow local bands and dance the night away. She loved to attend country music concerts with her sister Rita, and after Rita's passing her nephew Rob continued the tradition. Maria was extremely independent and loved to be alone in the outdoors. Walking was her passion and no one really knows how many miles she put on during a week! She did everything for herself, and very seldom did she ask for help because honestly no one could do it the way that she did or would. Her vegetable gardens and flowers, especially her numerous sunflower patches, were very important to Maria, as was keeping her home and property pristine. She looked forward to yearly getaways to Maine with her sister and family and Nubble Lighthouse was her favorite place to visit while there.

Survivors include her brother Edmond P. Lessard and wife Diane of St. Johnsbury; nieces and nephews: Lisa Lessard and partner Bob Williamson of St. Johnsbury, Christy Tanner and partner Todd St. Francis of Lyndonville, Kevin Lessard of Danville, Richard Woodward and partner Mary Mason of Passumpsic, Edmond Lessard, Jr. and wife Jodi of Passumpsic, and Robert Woodward and wife Leah of Danville along with their children Fellows and Milo whom Auntie considered her “babies”. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Judith Lessard of Lyndonville, her Aunt and Godmother Alice Ainsworth of Lyndonville; her very close friend and adventure partner Martin Robinson of Groton: and many other great- nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her siblings: Joseph and Leo Lessard and Rita Woodward and husband Richard Woodward.

Friends may call on the family Thursday, January 8, 2026, 6-8PM at Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury, VT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 9, 2026, 10AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 49 Winter Street in St. Johnsbury. Burial will be in the spring at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Canterbury Inn. Auntie was able to gain many new friends there and she enjoyed all of the daily activities that were offered. Memorial donations in Maria’s name may be made to Caledonia Home Health and Hospice, 161 Sherman Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 or Canterbury Inn Activities Club, 46 Cherry Street, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

Condolences can be shared online at CaledoniaLifeServices.com.