Lesley Howson Stavola

Lesley Howson Stavola, 88, of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, following an extended illness. 

She was born September 4, 1937, in Chillicothe, Ohio, daughter of the late Arthur Moore and Ruth Delphine (Gallaugher) Howson.

Surviving are her beloved children, Amy Ellen Stavola, of Allen, TX, Adam Howson Stavola, of Buffalo Grove, IL; her daughter-in-law, Abby Simons Stavola, of Hoffman Estates, IL; grandchildren, Julianne Elizabeth Risorto, of Belleville, NJ, Daniel Thomas Risorto, of Lynbrook, NY, Benjamin Simons Stavola, of Denver, CO, Jacob David Stavola, of Chicago, IL, and Rachel Alexandra Stavola, of Buffalo Grove, IL; four beloved canine companions, Jett, Gus, Enzo, and Apple; her faithful kitty, Sookie; her grandkitty, Lola; as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved son and daughter, David Arthur Stavola, and Laura Helen Risorto. 

Lesley received her bachelor’s degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in 1959. She went on to work as an Event Coordinator at the George Fern Company in Columbus, Ohio, before retiring in 2010. She was a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of 1812, the Delta Zeta Sorority, and the Ross County Genealogical Society.  

In accordance with her wishes, a graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Grandview Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved son, David. Friends are invited to join the family for a final farewell.