In Loving Memory of Lesli Langer Overstreet June 23, 1949 – July 5, 2025
Lesli Langer Overstreet, a devoted mother, grandmother, educator, and lifelong advocate for the elderly and vulnerable, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at the age of 76. Her life was marked by compassion, curiosity, and a deep commitment to helping others live with dignity and joy.
Professionally, Lesli spent decades championing the mental health and well-being of older adults. She founded and led Advocacy & Guidance for the Elderly (A.G.E.) in Dover, Massachusetts, where she worked as a geriatric care manager from 1992 to 2009, supporting aging adults and their families with empathy and expertise. Her career also included roles as a hospice medical social worker, behavioral health specialist, and elder services director across Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Florida.
As an educator, Lesli inspired countless students through her teaching at Mount Ida College, Bridgewater State College, and Massachusetts Bay Community College, where she taught sociology, psychology, and criminal justice courses. She prepared the next generation of social workers, advocates, and caregivers, always emphasizing the human dignity at the heart of her disciplines.
Lesli’s academic journey reflected her passion for lifelong learning. She earned a J.D. from the Massachusetts School of Law and completed all doctoral coursework in sociology at Northeastern University. She also earned an M.S.W. from Rutgers University, a Certificate in Family Therapy from the Boston Family Institute, and a B.A. in Sociology from Douglass College at Rutgers. She was a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and an active member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts.
Lesli embraced life beyond her work with vibrant enthusiasm. She was an avid reader who enjoyed book and dinner clubs and was always open to new experiences through meetup groups. She loved listening to music, watching thoughtful TV shows and movies, and cheering passionately for the New England Patriots.
Her love of travel took her around the world, where she delighted in experiencing different cultures and cuisines, meeting new people, and collecting artwork, paintings, and photography that filled her home with stories.
Animals were a lifelong joy for Lesli. She lovingly cared for many dogs over the years and was especially proud that several of her dogs completed training to become certified therapy dogs, spreading comfort and kindness to others. Most recently, she rescued and adored Jake and Molly.
Lesli was also a fierce advocate for breast cancer awareness, actively participating in support groups, raising awareness for the cause, and walking in events such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. During her own breast cancer journey, which began with her first diagnosis in 2013 and later metastatic recurrence in 2017, she found strength in community and support from others. Lesli carried this gratitude forward by raising awareness of the critical services these organizations provide to others living with breast cancer.
And in her later years, she found joy and energy on the pickleball court, becoming the 2024–2025 Massachusetts Senior Pickleball Champion at the Westborough Recreation Center.
Above all, Lesli loved her family deeply. She was the proud mother of Adam (married to Harpreet) and Michael (married to Helen), and the adoring grandmother of Daniel and Eli. Her family was her heart and her greatest joy.
Lesli will be remembered for her sharp intellect, great sense of humor, fierce advocacy, and generous spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of service, learning, and love that continues to inspire those who knew her.
The Ellie Fund held a very special place in Lesli’s heart. During her metastatic breast cancer journey, their Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Program, with support from the Chrystine M. Sullivan Foundation, provided her with rides to chemotherapy, grocery and gas gift cards, prepared meals, and compassionate encouragement. Lesli often described these services as a lifesaver and gave back by raising awareness of their vital work.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Ellie Fund, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that supports individuals facing breast cancer with practical, day-to-day care.
To donate:
- Online: elliefund.org (click “Donate”)
- By mail: The Ellie Fund, 200 Reservoir Street, Suite 300, Needham, MA 02494
- Phone: (781) 449-0100
- Email: info@elliefund.orgYour gift will help provide meals, transportation, and support to others navigating breast cancer, just as it did for Lesli.
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