Barbara Lessey Cleveland's Obituary
Barbara Lessey Cleveland, 77, of North Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026, in North Fort Myers.
Born on April 12, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, Barbara was the beloved daughter of the late Daniel and Norma (Khunke) Lessey II. In 1954, she moved with her family to Florida, where she would build a life filled with love, resilience, and deep family connections.
Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose strength and spirit touched all who knew her. Her family takes great pride in her remarkable courage as a 35-year cancer survivor, during which she bravely fought both ovarian and breast cancer. Her perseverance and determination remain an inspiration to those she leaves behind.
She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Bruce Cleveland; her son, Scott Cleveland of North Fort Myers; and her daughter, Amy Perle and her husband, Jaime, of LaBelle. Barbara was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Michael Goulette, Brittiné Mantilla, Devon Rodriguez, Jennifer Perle, and Noarsy Perle, and a cherished great-grandmother to Gianna, Ryley, Avery, and Sawyer.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Lessey III.
Special Thanks and Love to all the doctors, nurses, attendants, concierges, and all those who welcomed me, said hello, and smiled while I spent my day at Moffitt Cancer Center. I and my family will never forget you. You were all angels from Heaven.
All services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
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