Elsie L. Klesaris of Burlington, MA, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of 67 years to the late Peter "Bob" Klesaris. Devoted mother of Robert Klesaris and his partner Allison Montgomery, Deborah Goldberg and her husband Alan, Kathy Reardon and her husband Joe, Steven Klesaris and his wife Lillian, James Klesaris, John Klesaris and his wife Nancy and Nicholas Klesaris and his spouse Manny Berger. Loving YiaYia of Jennifer, Amy, Robert, Diana, Michael, Kerry, Christina, Joseph, Katie, Vanessa, Ted, Eleni, Steven, Emily, Bennett and Nina, as well as fourteen great-grandchildren.

Elsie was born in Medford on September 8, 1933 and was the daughter of the late John and Neita (Gardner) Butts. She graduated from Somerville High School in 1951. She married her high school sweetheart Bob in 1952 and wasted no time starting a family of five sons and two daughters. Utterly devoted to her husband Bob, she worked tirelessly behind the scenes as his business partner, confidante and family guardian, perfectly complementing his assertive self-confidence. Always at his side, she helped him spawn several businesses, including restaurants, racing thoroughbreds and brokering automobiles.

Her biggest accomplishment was raising seven children over several decades, teaching them right from wrong with a fiercely protective love and a subtle underlying firmness that fostered complete trust in her wisdom about all things in life. She cherished her role as a mother and was instantly adored by everyone she touched, whether for her amazing cooking, her attentive nature or her radiant smile.

In her younger years, she was active in the Annunciation Church of Woburn as a member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, volunteering at many church festivals, functions and fundraisers.

She enjoyed cooking, winters in Florida, exploring the countryside with her husband, and spending time with her many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Public visitation will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 70 Montvale Ave, Woburn, MA on Monday, September 12, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and Tuesday, September 13, from 9:00am to 11:00am. All are welcome to attend. Funeral Service will be held on September 13, at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

Interment will be at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington, MA.