Babe Lesho

Marianne “Babe” Lesho, 81, of Weirton, WV, a wife, mother and a caring grandmother, and a pillar of Weirton Madonna High School for more than three decades, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2026, at WVU Medicine – Weirton Medical Center peacefully surrounded by her family.

Babe was born on December 16, 1944, in Steubenville, Ohio, the youngest of three children born to Gabriel and Kathryn Altomare.

She grew up in Weirton, where she attended Weirton Madonna High School, graduating with the Class of 1962. Following graduation, she continued her education and began her working career as a secretary in the Electrical Engineering Department at Weirton Steel.

On September 10, 1966, Babe married John J. Lesho, a marriage that would span more than 60 years. Together, they were blessed with three children and five grandchildren.

After taking time away from her career to raise her children, Babe returned to the workforce in 1983 when she accepted a position as secretary at her alma mater, Weirton Madonna High School. For the next 32 years, Babe was much more than the person who kept the school office running smoothly. She was a familiar face, a trusted confidante, and a steady presence for generations of Madonna students, a second mother of sorts.

Babe loved the students who passed through the halls of Madonna, but she held a special place in her heart for the ornery ones. Perhaps it was because she could see the good in them beneath their mischief, or perhaps because she appreciated a little spunk herself. Whatever the reason, Babe had a way of making students feel that someone was looking out for them, even when they were testing the limits. Her dedication and years of service to the Madonna community were recognized in 2014 when she was inducted into the Weirton Madonna High School Hall of Fame.

While Madonna was an important part of Babe’s life, nothing meant more to her than her family. Babe was the unquestioned matriarch of the Lesho family, the strong and steady thread that held everyone together. She was a woman of strong convictions who spoke her mind honestly and without hesitation. With Babe, you never had to wonder where you stood. Yet beneath that strong will was an extraordinarily generous heart. She was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back without ever expecting recognition or thanks. Her kindness was quiet, her generosity sincere, and her love unconditional.

The kitchen was one of Babe’s favorite places to express that love. She was an excellent cook who enjoyed planning family meals long before the occasion arrived. She knew everyone’s favorites, especially those of her grandchildren, and took great pleasure in preparing the dishes they loved. For Babe, cooking was never simply about putting food on the table. It was about bringing her family together, making memories, and reminding those she loved that they were always welcome and always cared for.

She was also her family’s most loyal supporter. Whether it was a school activity, a sporting event, or another important milestone, Babe made every effort to be there. Her presence was a constant reminder to her children and grandchildren that whatever mattered to them mattered to her.

Babe nourished her faith at Saint Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Weirton, where she was a parishioner and a willing volunteer. She could often be found lending a hand with church fundraisers, helping prepare homemade bread, nut rolls, poppy seed rolls, and pierogies.

When she wasn’t taking care of her family or helping at church, Babe enjoyed watching professional football. She was an enthusiastic fan of both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In addition to her parents, Babe was preceded in death by her sister, Marlene D’Andrea.

She will be remembered with love by her husband of 60 years, John J. Lesho Sr.; her two sons, John (Tina) Lesho and Jamie (Julie) Lesho; her daughter, Lisa (Cory) Wingett; her brother, Robert Altomare; her five grandchildren, Katelyn (Matt) Sovine, Kristina Lesho, Julia, Ella, and Luke Wingett; and her lifelong friend, Shirley Washam, whose friendship with Babe began when they were three years old.

Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 7 PM on Monday, November 16, 2026, at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV.

A Blessing Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Divine Liturgy at 11 AM at Saint Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 3116 Elm Street, Weirton.

Father Luke Iyenger will preside, assisted by Father Binu Sebastian.

Interment will follow at Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Weirton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Saint Paul’s School, or Weirton Madonna High School.

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