Leslie Dessain

Leslie L. Dessain, 70, of Zion, IL, died on Monday, September 29, 2014, at Rolling Hills Manor in Zion, IL, after a long illness. Leslie was born October 24, 1943, in Peoria, IL, Survivors include her sons. Scott (Tracey) Dessain of Philadelphia, PA, and Peter (Nicole) Dessain of Evanston, IL; grandchildren. Sasha, Maya, Carly, and Jena; and brother, Meredith (Simone Ferro) Watts of Milwaukee, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, Meredith Wayne "Bill" and Leah Lucille "Lucy" Watts. Leslie was a faithful member in her church in Lodi, WI and worked in a Christian school. Since moving to Zion, IL she served wonderfully in the Zion Faith Home ministry. She was deeply involved with charitable works, often participating in prayer and Bible Study. She volunteered at the Family Resource Center in Zion for three years. A great joy to her was spending a few months helping at Long Look Full Gospel Sunday School mission work in Tortola, BVI. One of her favorite sayings was, "Oh, it is Jesus." She was thankful for His saving grace in her life. Her faith, love, and testimony for Christ touched many lives. Leslie went to Ripon College and initially worked in the insurance industry, starting her own company, Dessain Associates, in 1978, which she subsequently sold. She finished her professional career as an Executive Secretary at Abbott Laboratories. In her retirement, she served as a Foreman on a Grand Jury in Chicago. Leslie loved nature, especially birds, and saw God in it. For her generous spirit and her kind and gentle nature, she was loved and appreciated by those who knew her. Visitation will be Monday, October 6, 2014, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd. Zion, IL. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion.