Sharon Lee Leese, formerly of Brainerd, Minnesota, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, surrounded by love, and is now in a place of comfort and peace with her Lord and beloved family members.

Sharon was born on July 17, 1940, in Le Center, Minnesota, to Allen (Hoot) Phillips and Eloise Hansen Phillips. She spent her childhood in Kimball, Minnesota, where she graduated from Kimball High School. Sharon attended Hamline University and later graduated from St. Cloud State University.

Sharon devoted 25 years to teaching, working in both Bloomington and St. Cloud. She truly loved the profession she chose and took great pride in educating and caring for her students.

On December 28, 1963, Sharon married Jerry Leese in Paynesville, Minnesota. They shared a loving marriage and were blessed with two children, a daughter, Noelle, and a son, Jeremy. After retirement, Sharon and Jerry moved to the Brainerd Lakes area, where they built a home on North Long Lake. They loved the beauty of the area and the many activities it offered.

Sharon was a longtime and active member of Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa, Nisswa Women's Club, Soul Sisters, and the St. Cloud Bridge Club, where she was a member for 50 years and cherished many lasting friendships.

Sharon deeply loved her husband and family. She especially enjoyed staying connected with others by sending cards and greetings, often enclosing a thoughtful handwritten letter.

Sharon and Jerry loved to travel together. Their adventures included trips throughout Europe, Croatia, Ireland, Costa Rica, and Mexico, with many visits to various cities. They enjoyed at least 25 trips to Las Vegas with neighbors and friends and spent 17 winters in Mesa, Arizona. Road trips were a favorite pastime, especially discovering interesting and meaningful sites, including Native American historical sites in New Mexico and Arizona. One of Sharon's most treasured trips was traveling to Alaska with her entire family.

Sharon was preceded in death by her beloved son Jeremy (2017), her sister Nancy (2020), her mother Eloise (2023) and her father Allen (1982).

She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; daughter Noelle; son-in-law Jesse Wallace; granddaughters, Savannah Sarvey (Aaron), Layla Wallace, Aleeta Wallace. And Brienna Schwartz and Kyle Wyatt; and many other relatives and dear friends.

A church service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa on Saturday, February 14, at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow. Bright colors encouraged like the bright light Sharon was.