Leslie (Deedee) Riffle-Van Alstyne, age 65, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at her sister’s home in Quechee, Vermont.
Deedee was born on March 6, 1961, to Peter Roland and Carol Virgina Van Alstyne (nee Carlson). Deedee grew up in Wilton, Conn. and graduated from Wilton High School in 1979. Following high school, she attended Keene State College and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree majoring in Art History and Archeology in 1983.
Deedee’s love for art and museums persisted throughout her life. Whenever she visited a new town, her top priority was to visit a new art gallery or museum. She worked at a number of museums directing the gift shops and coordinating visitor experiences. She brought that love of art to her home as well. While Deedee moved frequently, she was always able to make a space uniquely her own by decorating with vintage knick-knacks, antiques, and well-curated art with each item carrying a special story. Deedee’s eye for style translated to her wardrobe as well where she was always able to pull together funky outfits with bright colors, scarves, and distinctive jewelry.
Along with her passion for the arts, Deedee loved to listen and dance to good music. At a young age, she enjoyed spending hours listening to new vinyls and traveling into New York City to see her favorite bands like the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Whether she was in a large crowd, a small show, or just with family and friends, Deedee always was able to let loose and start the dance floor.
A signature of Deedee’s presence was her humor and distinct laugh. Sometimes you could even hear her speak long monologues of French, only to reveal later it was completely fake and she never said a real word. She was open to adventure and unapologetically herself, traits that often created strong new relationships often and a wake of friendships wherever she had been.
Deedee married her former husband Bryan Riffle in 1988 and had two sons, Adam and Toby in 1990 and 1997, respectively. She was a devoted mother that sacrificed everything to give her children every opportunity. She taught them to persevere through life’s hardships, find humor in anything, laugh with friends, and dance like no one was watching.
Deedee is survived by her son Adam and his wife Sarah Dymecki, and her son Toby and his partner Emily Johnson, her sister, Susan Van Alstyne and husband David Lechner, her sister Kristen Lessard and husband Brian, her brother, Peter C. Van Alstyne and wife Rosemary Halligan, her nieces, Cailin Lechner and husband Bryan, Kate Lessard, Jane and Natalie Van Alstyne, her nephews, Sam Lessard and his wife Liz, and Evan Lechner, along with numerous close friends.
During her childhood, Deedee spent many happy times at her family’s second home in Vermont and summers in her beloved Martha’s Vineyard. She spent her final five years in Woodstock.
Deedee’s family is planning a celebration of life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 at the North Universalist Chapel Society with a private reception to follow.
An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com.
