Mary Catherine Lehto

Mary Catherine "Monnie" Lehto, age 88, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Norwood, Massachusetts. Born in Taunton, Massachusetts on February 4, 1938, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary (Reilly) Benjamin. Monnie spent her early years in Taunton before her family settled in Norwood, Massachusetts, where she attended Saint Catherine's Elementary School. She went on to attend the Henry O. Peabody School for Girls in Norwood, learning the ins and outs of hairdressing before graduating with the Class of 1956. Following her graduation, Monnie took a hairdressing position with Francine Ciannavei's salon in Roslindale.

Monnie married her beloved husband, David F. Lehto, on May 8, 1960, at Saint Catherine's Church in Norwood. Shortly after their wedding, Dave built a home in Walpole laying down their roots to raise a family. As the young couple welcomed their two girls, Laurie and Lisa, Monnie took on the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her family. Once her girls were enrolled in school, Monnie turned her attention to Dave's business, ensuring everything on the administrative side ran smoothly. Later on, Monnie loved spending time with her grandchildren: babysitting, attending dance recitals, hockey and soccer games, and music concerts.

Throughout her life, Monnie enjoyed adventurous road trips with her husband, Dave, scoping out various real estate listings. One of their favorite places to look was in New Hampshire, eventually building a home in Gilford and finding a love for riding trails on their snow mobiles. They later purchased a condo in Laconia on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, enjoying boating and dining out with the family.

Back at home, Monnie enjoyed the simple things in life, often returning to her hometown of Norwood to watch a parade or to visit her sisters while also admiring her beloved collection of hummels. As an avid shopper, Monnie was always on the lookout for the latest fashion, enjoying trips to Jordan Marsh, Macy's, Filene's and L.L. Bean. On a more local level, she enjoyed stopping in Holt's Department Store in Walpole center and could always find a deal from home on QVC. Eating a bagel with coffee from the local coffee shop was a daily routine. In recent years, Monnie enjoyed listening to music of yesteryear, even getting up to dance from time to time, learning the latest and greatest moves from watching Dancing with the Stars.

Beloved wife of the late David F. Lehto.

Loving mother of Laurie T. Moore and her husband, Michael, of Walpole and Lisa A. Slack and her husband, Michael Gobin, of Walpole.

Cherished grandmother of Ryan Moore and his fiancée, Rachel Ferrara, and Mollie Moore.

Sister of the late Wilma "Billie" Phalen and the late Joan Wood.

Sister-in-law of Linda Connors and Lee Lehto, both of Walpole.

Also survived by her nieces, Jody, Jane, and Joanne.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Monnie's visitation on Wednesday, October 14th, 2026 from 9:30 to 11:00 am in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Highland Cemetery in Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Monnie's name may be made to Medfield Animal Shelter by mailing a check to P.O. Box 271, Medfield, MA 02052 or by visiting https://www.medfieldshelter.com/donate