Judith F. Lesiak

Judith (Judi) F. Lesiak, 85, of East Sandwich, Massachusetts, passed away on August 5, 2026, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts following a courageous battle with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. Judi was born on October 5, 1940, in Hartford, Connecticut, to the late Stanley and MaryEllen (O'Neill) Lucas.

Judi graduated from Manchester High School in 1958. She went on to attend Central Connecticut State College, graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 1962. Judi taught elementary school for several years before moving to Ohio with her husband, Walter. After the move, Judi further continued her education at The Ohio State University, where she earned her master’s degree in education in 1968 and her PhD in 1970.

Judi dedicated 28 ½ years of service to Central Michigan University, where she was a distinguished and respected professor in the psychology department. Judi published numerous articles and books in the areas of reading processes, remedial education, and the development of reading and literacy skills. Judi also co-authored the Developmental Tasks for Kindergarten Readiness-II with her husband.

After retiring in 2000, Judi moved to East Sandwich, Massachusetts with her husband. Judi loved gardening, reading, and walking with the beach searching for sea glass. Judi’s greatest joy was spending countless hours with her grandsons, Richard and Nicholas. Judi (known by all as Nanny) attended endless swim meets, soccer, baseball, and lacrosse games no matter the weather or distance involved. She took her roll of Nanny seriously, being sure to lovingly spoil her grandsons.

Judi is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Walter J. Lesiak; her daughter, Nicole Kennedy (Greg) of Sandwich, Massachusetts; and her grandchildren, Richard Amsel (Savannah), Nicholas Amsel, Caitlin Kennedy, and Michael Kennedy. Judi is also survived by her great grandchildren, Patton, Liam, and Cole; and by her sister, Mary Cosgrove (Joe) of Connecticut. She was preceded in passing by her brother, Stanley Lucas, and sisters, Anne Quagge and Peggy Haney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Corpus Christi Parish, 324 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd, Sandwich, MA 02537, on August 20, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Burial will follow in Sandwich Town, Route 130, Sandwich, MA 02563, on August 20, 2026, from 12:15 pm to 12:30 pm.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff at Cape Cod Hospital and the MICU at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for the compassionate care and support provided to Judi.

In lieu of flowers please donate in Judith’s name to: The International Dyslexia Association in Pikesville, Maryland.