Leslie A. Power
OBITUARY
DRACUT – Leslie A. (Zelinski) Power, 78, of Dracut, MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. She was born August 8, 1946 in Everett, MA, to the late Otto and Ruth (Smith) Zelinski. Leslie was predeceased by her sister Susan Zelinski and brother Richard Zelinski. She was the beloved wife of Lee Arthur Power, Sr., with whom she shared a loving marriage of 55 years. In addition to her husband, Leslie is survived by her brother James and his wife Patricia, and her sister-in-law June. Leslie’s greatest joy was her family, which included five children, eleven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous neighborhood bonus children, all of whom were touched by her love. Leslie began her career as a registered nurse at Lowell General Hospital, but found her true calling serving the Dracut community as a bus driver. For 35 years, she took incredible pride in her work and often said that driving the bus gave her the most joy. Leslie, who was affectionately known as “Bugs,” also devoted many years to the Girl Scout community and fondly remembered her time as a troop leader, counselor, and nurse at Camp Kiwanis. In her free time, Leslie enjoyed knitting and painting. Each Christmas, all of her family members were reminded of her talent when they decorated their mantels with her handmade stockings. She also enjoyed spending time visiting her favorite places and sharing her favorite foods, such as French onion soup on a cold winter day or mussels by the sea. She and Lee loved to travel and were fortunate to make many memories on their numerous road trips across the country. Leslie was a loyal friend and her lifelong friendships, especially with the late Anne Pramas and her childhood friend Elvina (husband Nick) Parrotta, were a testament to her caring nature. Leslie will be remembered for her deep love, kindness and generosity. She opened her home and her heart to all who needed it and her compassionate nature will continue to inspire those who knew her. While we will miss her greatly, her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched. In addition to her loving husband Lee, Leslie is survived by her children Robin of Dracut, MA; Melissa and her husband Matthew of Dracut, MA; Lee J and his wife Shannon of Oak Island, NC; Michael and his wife Kristie of Saint Cloud, FL; and Matthew and his partner Kit of Nashua, NH. She leaves behind her grandchildren Matt and Ryan (his wife Rebecca), Madison, Jocelyn, Cody, Caitlin, Jake (and his wife Dalice), Jordan, Max, Kristyanna (her husband Devin) and Reilly and her great grandchildren Holly, Dylan and Theo, Anastasia and Mila and Carter. Visitation hours will be Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Ave., DRACUT. Her funeral service will be Monday, August 19, 2024 at noon at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, DRACUT. Funeral Directors: Paul A. Hardy, Jr. and Jennifer Lebaropoulos Hardy. Directions and an online guest book can be found at DRACUTFUNERALHOME.COM and on Facebook.
