WELLS, ME

Lesley Alice Darling, 63, of Wells and formerly of Cambridge, MA, died unexpectedly November 24, 2018 at York Hospital following a period of failing health.

Lesley was born February 16, 1955 in Cambridge, MA, the daughter of Ralph and Louise Nelson Darling, and attended local schools there. She is a 1972 graduate of Cambridge High and Latin School. Lesley furthered her education attending Holy Cross, where she was the first female ROTC member, then transferred to Suffolk University, where she earned her undergraduate and a master’s degree in Finance.

Growing up, her family spent their summers on Wells Beach, and at the age of 16, she took flight lessons at Sanford Airport, eventually earning her pilots license, which her entire family was very proud of.

Lesley was employed for 14 years with Raytheon, where she was a part of the Patriot and Stinger missile program. Following her mother’s move to Wells, she opened Lesley Darling Appraisals, which she operated successfully for over 20 years in Wells.

Active in her community, she was a member of the Wells Library Board, Save Our Shores, and Ocean View Cemetery Board of Directors. She also was a founding partner of Time and Again Consignment Shop in Wells.

She loved dogs, and over the years rescued many dogs, which gave her such satisfaction.

Survivors include her brother Ralph “Toby” Darling and his wife Mary Margaret of Canton, MA, nieces and nephew Janine Hechter and her husband Joshua, Thomas Darling and his wife Ashley, Bridget Darling and Rosemary Darling, her cousin Louise Ciaizzo of Wells, and two great nieces, Violet and Minnie Hechter. She also has many cousins in the Boston area.

Visitation will be held 9:30 AM to 10:30AM Saturday December 1, 2018 at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd, Wells, followed at 11 AM by a Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Eldridge Rd, Wells. Interment will follow in Ocean View Cemetery, Wells.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare Society, PO Box 43, West Kennebunk ME, 04094.