The death of Leslie Lorraine Lamb, a 44-year-old Syracuse, New York, resident affectionately known as “Aunt La-La,” has been confirmed in an obituary published by Harter Funeral Home. Lamb died on October 12, 2026.
The obituary celebrates her career supporting older adults, her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and the close relationships she maintained with family and friends.
Born on May 13, 1982, in Riverside, California, Lamb graduated from Fayetteville-Manlius High School in 2000 before earning a degree in Human Services from Cazenovia College in 2004. She also served as senior class president.
Throughout her professional life, she worked in programs supporting older adults at James Square, Greenpoint and Elderwood at Liverpool, where she directed the Activities Department. She later worked at Circare before becoming program director at SAGE Upstate, a Syracuse organization supporting older LGBTQ+ adults and their allies.
Her obituary describes the people she worked with at SAGE Upstate as an extended family.
Lamb was known to loved ones as Aunt La-La, a nickname that reflected her close connections with her nieces and nephews. Her family remembered her enthusiasm, distinctive sense of style and ability to bring energy to gatherings.
She enjoyed travelling with her partner, Monica Hamilton, listening to old country music, following Syracuse basketball and making crafts. She also volunteered with Seventh Heaven Rescue and loved spending time with her dog, Sophie.
Lamb’s obituary names her partner, mother, siblings, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews among those who survive her.
Calling hours are scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Harter Funeral Home, Inc., 9525 South Main Street (Brewerton Road), Brewerton, New York.
Those wishing to honor Lamb’s memory are encouraged to consider donations to SAGE Upstate or Seventh Heaven Rescue, two organizations connected to causes she cared about.
Leslie Lorraine Lamb’s obituary offers a picture of a woman whose life combined community service, advocacy, family connections and a love of animals. Her work supporting older adults and LGBTQ+ people formed a significant part of her legacy in the Syracuse area.
The confirmed obituary also corrects earlier uncertainty surrounding online searches about her death. Her death is confirmed, although the obituary does not state a cause of death.
