On the evening of January 23, 2026, our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Leslie deVarona Osborn, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.

Leslie was born on November 11, 1929, in Malone, New York, the second of two daughters of Kathryn C. deVarona (née Mills) and Ignatius M. deVarona. She was preceded in death by her father, who died of tuberculosis when she was one year old, and by her sister, Dolores, who later succumbed to the same illness. Leslie and her sister were raised by their mother, along with their Aunt May Holbrook and May's father, Jesse Holbrook, affectionately known to Leslie as "Papa."

Despite childhood health challenges, including a lengthy battle with rheumatic fever, Leslie made a full recovery and graduated from Franklin Academy in Malone with the Class of 1947. She maintained lifelong friendships with many of her classmates.

A gifted sketch and watercolor artist, Leslie pursued art studies in Buffalo after high school. Her adventurous spirit soon led her abroad when she accepted a position as a clerk-stenographer with the United States Air Force in post-World War II Japan. That year abroad sparked a lifelong love of travel, learning, and global friendships. Upon returning home, she attended the Katharine Gibbs School in Providence, graduating in 1951, and later worked at the Franklin County Courthouse.

In the mid-1950s, Leslie married James ("Jim") Dempsey. They lived briefly in the New York City area before returning to the North Country and settling in Fort Covington, New York. Together they raised four children-Gregory, Ward, Kathryn, and Serena. Leslie devoted herself to her family and home, which also included a beloved collection of animals. When Jim was diagnosed with glioblastoma, Leslie cared for him at home until his death on April 22, 1986.

In 1989, Leslie embarked on a solo 60-day trip around the world, visiting family and friends across the globe-an experience emblematic of her independence and curiosity.

In the early 1990s, Leslie married Harold "Ozzie" Osborn. They shared a happy life in Fort Covington, enjoying travel and time at the family camp in Mountain View until Ozzie's passing in 2008.

In her later years, Leslie continued to embrace life fully. She loved reading, learning new technology, traveling (in all she visited 88 countries), shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, sister, aunt, and husbands, Leslie was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Kathryn Dempsey Brethour, in 2016.

Leslie is survived by her children, Gregory (Lisa) Dempsey of Galesburg, Michigan; Ward (Colleen) Dempsey of San Antonio, Texas; and Serena Dempsey of Fort Covington, New York; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.

A viewing will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ft. Covington from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a funeral Mass and burial on May 15, 2026.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Farrar Home for the compassionate care Leslie received.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Farrar Home Activities Fund or to a Memorial Gift Fund for St. Mary's.