MaryLesa O’Connor
MaryLesa O’Connor
05/16/2025
MaryLesa Judith O’Connor (Burns) was born on June 12, 1958 in Buffalo, New York to parents Walter and Rose Marie Burns. MaryLesa graduated from Bishop Neumann High School where she made lifelong friends. Afterwards, MaryLesa received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from Canisius University.
MaryLesa had a lasting impact on the community from her time as a third grade teacher at Saint Gregory the Great and as the Owner of Tony Martin Awards, Inc. MaryLesa has always put others first and has donated to various organizations throughout her life, inspiring and touching the hearts and souls of many.
MaryLesa enjoyed spending time with her close family, her husband Paul, her children Paul and Peter, and her daughter-in-laws Angella and Elizabeth. MaryLesa also loved animals and her many pets throughout the years including her Molly Rose. Whether it was at the beach at the Buffalo Canoe Club or at home, MaryLesa loved spending time with her family above all else. Not a day went by without MaryLesa checking in and providing support to her family and friends.
MaryLesa loved to cook and host family dinner every Sunday. She was famous for her Italian sauce. She would also make food and deliver it to those who needed it and who were going through hard times. Her compassion, understanding, and guidance will be missed by many.
MaryLesa will be deeply missed by all those who knew her. She made all those who met her a better person. Her laughter, joyful, powerful, resilient personality will be missed by all.
Funeral Services were held privately at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to Roswell Park Gynecology and Oncology Departments. Online condolences may be placed at www.TheDietrichFuneralHome.com
Our condolences to the family of Marylesa Burns O’Connor. She was one of a kind. Always smiling and laughing and making other laugh. We remember the night she met her husband at Libation Station. She will be missed by many. RIP. I am sure you are hugging you mom and dad. 💔
We were so very saddened to hear that MaryLesa lost her fight with cancer. And what a long fight it was. Always praying for her miracle but Our Dear Lord wanted her home with Him. MaryLesa’s sweet spirit and unique and special way about her is our loss.
We keep you in our prayers for consolation and peace as you grieve the loss of your dear MaryLesa.
We were so very saddened to hear MaryLesa lost her fight with cancer. And what a fight it was. Always praying for her miracle but Our Dear Lord wanted her home with Him. MaryLesa’s sweet spirit and unique way about her is our loss. We keep you in our prayers for consolation and peace as you grieve the loss of your dear MaryLesa.
The world has lost a beautiful soul. RIP my friend
Mary Lesa, my Person
One week ago, I lost not just my best friend, but a piece of my heart. Lesa was more than a friend, she was my person.
Lesa had a way of lighting up every room she walked into. She was kind, thoughtful, a little crazy and always knew how to make everyone feel seen and loved. Every memory with her is now a treasure I’ll hold forever.
I keep thinking about all the little things we shared. It’s hard to imagine my life without her, but I know Lesa will always be with me in spirit.
Lee, Lesa, Mary, Lee lee Bee, I miss you more than words can ever express. You were my best friend, and I will carry your memory with me every single day. Until we meet again, Forward in Faith.
Margie Nowak
Lesa was the most thoughtful person I’ve ever known. She remembered everything-not just the big moments, but the small, meaningful ones that make up a life. She celebrated every milestone- friends’ birthdays, their children’s births, weddings, housewarmings, pets deaths, achievements, and then the next generation’s joys as well. She was always there – not only the good times but especially through the hard ones. She stood by me, and many others, through the loss of siblings, children and parents, and life’s ups and downs. Her presence always a quiet comfort.
Lesa was a master connector. She brought people together like it was 2nd nature- truly she could have been the Mayor of Buffalo.
She was like Bono, Cher & Ringo, only needed her first name because everyone knew her. She has honest, passionate and never afraid to feel things deeply and
tell you what she thought! She’s in heaven now organizing a beautiful celebration with her family & friends- continuing to gather people with great love.
She’ll be in my heart forever. I count myself lucky-so very lucky to have known her for so long ( first grade @Maple East Elementary School.)
Until we meet again my friend. Please save me a seat.
Sending prayers and heartfelt sympathy to your family at this time of such heartbreaking loss. Marylesa spread light and happiness wherever she went and fought so hard for so long. Her faith , optimism and courage were nothing short of amazing. So very sorry to hear of her passing. God bless you all.
Such a beautiful person. So glad to have known MaryLesa . Rest in peace you will be missed . Sending love and prayers to Paul and family . Loss a wonderful person RIP sweet MaryLesa ! ❤️❤️❤️
Well done, good and faithful servant, MaryLesa. I first felt your joyful energy as I “saw you before I knew you” at Canisius College. You had a unique spirit and always seem to be having fun! Then I met “Jimmy” (as you always called my husband) and I was welcomed into the Neumann friend group. You and your spouses all became some of my favorite people. You were kind, thoughtful, and very funny. Thank you for making trips to Tops enjoyable, because I would often run into you and get to have a nice long catch up amidst the produce. Rest well friend, I will miss you.
The most sweetest, kind, big hearted person I have ever met. My friendship with her was just before her diagnosis but she touched my heart and we cherished our lunches together. May you rest in peace and your smile shine on forever. Heartfelt condolences to the family.
Dear O’Connor family
I am so very sorry for your loss
Any one who knew Mary Lesa loved her. I so enjoyed our time together at St Greg’s while her boys were there. We shared so many laughs. She will be missed by many people and that’s quite a testament to her.
God bless you and keep you, Mary Lesa.i am happy your suffering is over.
Until we all meet again…
Joanne Morreale
MaryLesa was a special person. I met her when my son attended Canisius. As a single mom, she always went out of her way to help me. She was also very inclusive in a community which was unfamiliar to me and my son. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I will always remember her kindness. My deepest sympathy.
I was so truly saddened when I learned about MaryLesa’s passing. I attended Neumann High School and remember her well. She was a very sweet, lovely girl. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Rest in Peace, Lesa. God Bless You.
MaryLesa (Miss Burns at the time) was my third-grade math teacher in 1981. She was unforgettable—supportive and loving and, to this day (though I have not seen her in 44 years), one of my favorite people. She brought joy everywhere she went, and to everyone she met. My deepest sympathy to her family, her friends, and to those who knew and loved her. You could not be in one group without being in the other.
Rest in peace, my dear friend. You made chemotherapy and clinical days easier! You fought long and hard. I remember how you would light up when you spoke of husband and your family.
.One of the enthusiastic young women I had the pleasure to know when teaching at BNHS. Always a smile, ready to step up to help. She was a friend to many.
I would like to send my deepest condolences to the O’Connor family. MaryLesa was a bright light in this world. I just loved her sparkling personality. She was so full of joy and life. May she now rest in peace in the arms of the Lord and may all of you find comfort and peace in all your precious memories of your beautiful wife and mother.
So sorry to hear about Mary Lesa. She was a beautiful person. She was so great to the boys during confirmation. My Mike was in her group..So bubbly and kind all the time!! May God Bless her beautiful soul. Big hugs for your family….Carmella Hanley 💗
Mary Lesa has been a dear dear friend since early elementary school. She was the most loving person I have ever known. She touched the hearts of everyone she met. She made the world a better place and eveyone she met a better person. I will miss her dearly…
I will always remember Mary Lesa as a vibrant, vivacious member of the Buffalo Canoe Club – a big personality for sure – who stood out among a group of many big personalties! Best, brilliant smile. May she rest in peace and may she remain a presence of love and solace to her family and friends.
I’m so saddened to hear that Mary Lesa is gone from this world. She was my friend, and a friend to my parents (Dr. Bernard and Jean Eisenberg). When I worked at Tony Martin’s they were a family to me.
I’m not in the Buffalo area anymore but we kept in touch. She was a special person whom I will miss dearly.y love and condolences to Paul and family. Love, Lori Eisenberg Covert