Lesora Laudet Hooper

Lesora Laudet Hooper "Leslie" May 22, 1954 – April 10, 2026.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Leslie Hooper of Rutherfordton, NC.  who passed peacefully midday April 10th , 2026 in Shelby, NC amongst loving family.

Born in Manila, the capitol city of Metro Manila in the Philippines, she was the 3rd youngest in a close family of 3 brothers and 5 sisters.  Leslie immigrated to the U.S. early in 1976 bringing with her a spirit of determination and love that would touch countless lives.

A treasured wife to Fred "Tawny" Hooper and devoted mother of 5 children, her family was the center of her world especially as it expanded to 21 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren who brought her immense joy. An extremely hard worker woman, her heart belonged to her family and friends and the delight of bringing people together.  Alongside her beloved husband of 36 years, she helped create a warm atmosphere that made both the Lumberjack Family Restaurant in Sanbornton, NH and the Sunrise Family Restaurant in Spindale, NC true community gathering places.  Her genuine smile and infectious laughter made every customer feel like family, embodying the same spirit of service and hospitality that defined the Hooper legacy.

She found pure joy in life's simple pleasures – dancing the night away, casino trips, dining out with the family, bowling, or even the memorable Walmart visits with Fred where her playful spirit would shine through, even if it meant a little harmless mischief in the aisles.

Her warm personality drew people to her, sisters GiGi, Elvie, Lina and cousin Glenda moved to be closer to her.  She formed friendships with coworkers from Watts in Spindale, NC and Webster Valve in Franklin, NH, a testament to the strong bonds she nurtured.

Leslie cherished the deep connection with extended family, particularly with cousins Becky and Cedric Robb and the entire "Robb Clan", who were instrumental in every facet of the Hooper family's journey, from years spent raising children in Franklin, NH, through the move to NC and all the family visits that followed, to the full circle return to Hill, NH where they said their final goodbyes to both Fred's father and Fred himself within a 5 month span.

A few years after Fred's passing, Leslie would find a unique love again late in life with Joe Whitaker who helped bring her happiness and companionship in her final years.

Leslie is survived by her 5 children Jenles, Kara, Chip, Annie and Michelle and their families, her brother Edgar and sisters Lina, Elvie and Gigi along with her extended family and many friends who became family over the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frederico Laudet and Anunsacion Bautista, husband Fred Hooper, and her brothers Milano and Eddie and sister Benny.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Eggers Funeral Home of Cliffside, NC. The funeral service will follow in the A.C. McKinney Memorial Chapel at Eggers Funeral Home of Cliffside, NC at 2:00pm with Pastor Matthew Stamey officiating. Eggers Funeral Home of Cliffside, NC is serving the family.