Lesley Frances Tholkes

Lesley Frances Tholkes (Poore), age 80, of Mounds View, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026. She was born on July 9, 1945, in Helena, Montana, to Robert F. and Eleanore Poore.

Lesley was the beloved wife of James, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. She was a devoted mother to her children, Jeffry and Kristine, and a proud grandmother to Timothy, Sarah, and Elizabeth. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Lilly and Bentley. Lesley is survived by her sisters Barbara (Larry) Steinmiller and Sandra (Lee) Fulks; her sister Lynn Shapiro; as well as many nephews, great-nephews, and great-nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eleanore Poore, and her brother-in-law, Larry Shapiro.

As a child, Lesley moved with her family from Helena, Montana, to Fridley, Minnesota, where she graduated from Fridley High School in 1963. After briefly attending college in Elgin, Illinois, she returned to Minnesota. It was there, through mutual friends in Northeast Minneapolis, that she met James. The two were married on January 30, 1965, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Together they welcomed their son Jeffry on June 8, 1965, and their daughter Kristine on April 16, 1970. Family was always at the center of Lesley’s life. In 1973, she moved her mother, Eleanore, to Minnesota so she could care for her —a responsibility she carried with unwavering devotion until her mother’s passing in 1999.

Lesley balanced family life with an impressive professional career. She returned to college at the Minneapolis School of Drafting, earning a degree in Mechanical Drafting. In 1978, she began working for Nash Finch Companies, where she spent 25 years designing grocery stores throughout the Upper Midwest. Her work reflected her love of architecture and attention to detail.

An avid outdoorswoman, Lesley found joy in the natural world. She loved the mountains, gardening, camping, fishing, swimming, water-skiing, and cross-country skiing. Weekends were often spent outdoors with her family, creating memories that will be cherished forever. She also had a deep appreciation for architecture, art, museums, zoos, history, maps, and reading. Travel was one of her great passions, especially visiting National Parks. Later in life, she and James visited 28 of the 51 U.S. National Parks and two in Canada. She often encouraged others to experience them, saying, “Go visit our National Parks—they are a treasure to behold.”

Lesley had a generous heart and cared deeply for others, especially children facing cancer and serious illness. She regularly donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Children’s Hospital. She also supported Union Gospel Mission, believing strongly in their work to help those experiencing homelessness. As she often said, “Everyone deserves a hot meal, clothes on their back, and an opportunity—with resources—to have a chance at a better life.”

Lesley and James built a life rich in friendships, many of which became family in every sense of the word. She liked to say, “If you have a couple of really good friends your whole life, you’re doing pretty well,” and she was blessed with many.

Known for her honesty and unmistakable personality, Lesley was unapologetically herself. You never had to wonder what she thought—she said it plainly and without filters. If she agreed with you, she might simply respond, “No shit.” Yet she was equally known for her kindness and warmth. She was quick to offer help, a listening ear, or a heartfelt compliment—admiring a hairstyle, a coat, a pair of shoes, or a color that suited someone just right. Wherever she went, she had a way of making people smile or laugh.

Lesley was truly one of a kind. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

Until we meet again.