Leslye Ribeiro

Leslye (Shurtleff) Ribeiro passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 56 years, Carl Ribeiro, along with their son Mark, his wife Catherine, and her loving and much-adored grandchildren, Crosby and Graham. Leslye was predeceased by her parents, Edward B. Shurtleff and Elinor (Terzian) Weaver, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Leslye was born on August 17, 1946, in Fairhaven, MA. A proud graduate of Fairhaven High School, Class of 1964, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from Bridgewater State College. Leslye's passion for education led her to become a kindergarten teacher at Rogers School in Fairhaven, where she inspired young minds and developed lifelong friendships with her coworkers. After starting her family, she devoted herself full-time to being a loving mother. In later years, she returned to teaching at Fairhaven Preschool and The Loft School of Marion, where her kindness and dedication continued to touch the lives of many.
Leslye continued her interest in education by serving on VASE (Volunteers at Sippican Elementary) and on the Parent's Committee at Tabor Academy.
Leslye was a lifelong athlete. In her high school years, she participated in basketball, volleyball and softball, notably scoring 53 points in a FHS women's varsity basketball game. Her love of sports continued into adulthood. She cherished the game of tennis and the friendships it brought, playing twice a week year-round, staying active and engaged with a close-knit group of tennis friends.
She always had a love of music, beginning in her high school band and orchestra and continuing throughout her life. She especially enjoyed playing the ukulele for her grandchildren. She had a song for every moment-say any word, and she'd effortlessly sing a tune with something fitting.
Leslye loved traveling with Carl, both for business and for family adventures. She took great joy in her home and loved spending time outside in her yard. After retirement, she and Carl spent ten wonderful years visiting their home on Spring Island in Okatie, South Carolina, where she embraced her love of nature.
Leslye is survived by her loving sister, Donna DeBalsi, and brother-in-law, Bob DeBalsi, as well as her beloved nieces, Kristin Laquale (husband Anthony and daughter Sophia) and Bethany Kirk (husband Shane), along with many cherished cousins and dear friends.
Her Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10 AM in the First Congregational Church of Marion, 28 Main St., Marion. Burial will be private. Visiting hours will be Friday, June 27th from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Leslye and her family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care she received by so many at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, SouthCoast Health, SouthCoast Health Cancer Center, SouthCoast Health Hospice and two very special at-home caregivers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
SouthCoast Health at Home
SouthCoast VNA
200 Mill Road
Fairhaven, MA 02719 www.southcoast.org/philanthropy/tribute-gifts/
or
SouthCoast Community Foundation
350 Union Street
New Bedford, MA 02740 www.southcoastcf.org
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