Lesley Jean Larion

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of Lesley Jean Larion, who took her final bow at 77 years of age on June 9, 2026.

Lesley fought a short and private battle with lung cancer and passed peacefully at Southlake Regional Hospital in Newmarket with her son, Dylan, at her side.

Born on April 11, 1949, in Brantford, Ontario, to Leslie Willard Larion and Elsie Jean Larion (née Malone), she later made North Bay her family home. Lesley graduated from Chippewa Secondary School in North Bay and went on to study anthropology, sociology, and psychology at York University and Nipissing University.

In true Lesley fashion, she embraced the spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s—travelling, writing, touring with bands, attending Woodstock, and experiencing life with curiosity and an adventurous spirit. Eventually, she found her greatest joy and truest purpose in being a mother.

A fiercely independent woman with a creative soul, Lesley’s life and career took many fascinating turns. She was a songwriter, poet, caterer, office manager, speechwriter, and radio air-traffic controller. She was especially proud of her time working in politics, where she brought her enthusiasm, intelligence, and passion to her work in the offices of the Premier of Ontario and the Ministries of Education and Finance.

Lesley was predeceased by her father, Leslie Willard Larion; her mother, Elsie Jean Larion (née Malone); and her brother, Dwight Larion.

She leaves behind her son, Dylan Hankinson; daughter-in-law, Erin Gray; beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Tanner Hankinson; her loving Aunt Laura Neal (née Malone); special cousins Jenni, Judy, and James, and their kin; and her lifelong friend, Theresa Haist (née Naismith).

In keeping with Lesley’s wishes, there will be no traditional funeral. She has been cremated and will be laid to rest alongside her mother, father, and brother in North Bay. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Lesley’s favourite Latin phrase, obstipui steteruntque comae, perfectly captured her attitude toward life, love, and everything in between: “I was astounded, and my hair stood on end.”