Mrs. Leslie A. (Shaffer) Frost, a longtime resident of Andover and beloved wife of the late Norman C. Frost, Jr., passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Monday evening, July 20, 2026. She was 87 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Leslie was the cherished daughter of the late J. Ronald and Charlotte A. (Weissman) Shaffer. She graduated from Bates College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
Leslie lived a life filled with creativity, beauty, and service. An avid gardener, landscape designer, and floral artist, she devoted countless hours to designing and maintaining the extensive, historically inspired gardens surrounding her home. Her beloved Andover home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflected her lifelong commitment to historic preservation, architecture, and landscape design. In recognition of her dedication to promoting excellence in historic landscapes, she received the prestigious Hunnewell Award from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Leslie served as Past President of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts and was a longtime member of the Andover Garden Club. She was also an active member of the Andover Historical Society, the Andover Preservation Commission, and numerous other civic and cultural organizations. A gifted floral designer, Leslie was twice awarded the John Taylor Arms Award for her outstanding floral designs at the Boston Flower Show. She was also an enthusiastic collector of period antiques and other treasured objects, with a lifelong appreciation for history and craftsmanship. Leslie was a devoted member of Christ Church in Andover, where her faith and friendships remained an important part of her life. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Leslie is survived by her loving children, Mark T. Frost and his wife, K. Pang Frost, of Boxford; Elizabeth A. Frost and her partner, Andy MacWilliam, of New Hampshire; and Andrew S. Frost and his wife, Aimee Frost, of Hinesburg, Vermont. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Christopher and Alyssa Frost, Nate and Aaron Morison, and Henry, Sophie, and Willa Frost; as well as her cousin, Robert Steiman of New York, New York.
One of Leslie's greatest joys was hosting her family each Thanksgiving at her home in Andover. She treasured having her children and grandchildren gathered together, sharing a meal, making memories, and continuing the family tradition with one of her favorite activities—Black Friday shopping.
A funeral service celebrating Leslie's life will be held at Christ Church, 33 Central Street, Andover, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are warmly invited to attend or watch the simulcast on Christ Church’s YouTube site: https://www.youtube.com/@christchurchandover