Sharon Lee Neuner
Age 71, passed away on November 12, 2020 due to the Coronavirus. Sharon was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 11, 1949 to her late parents, Clarence and Wanda Trott. She was preceded in death by siblings Tom and Sandra.
Sharon was a graduate of Warren High School and Spring Arbor University, earning a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, while also working and parenting. She spent 35 years of her career working in the Personnel Department of the Lansing Board of Water and Light, where she was deeply involved in labor negotiations with the utility’s collective bargaining units. At the BWL she also organized community appreciation and employee recognition events. She retired as a Human Resources Manager in 2013.
Her love of humanity and caring nature led her to volunteer with numerous Lansing nonprofit organizations, including Special Olympics, Advent House Ministries, Gateway Community Services, Haven House, and Pioneer Civitan of Lansing, where she served as President.
Sharon was also deeply involved in the Lansing quilting community. She sewed quilts for disabled veterans, severely ill infants, others in need, as well as for family and friends. She cherished her friendships from memberships in such organizations as the Bath Community Quilt Guild, the Capitol City Quilt Guild, to name a few.
She also enjoyed sailing, boating and annual vacations to Mackinac and Sanibel Islands.
Sharon is survived by her husband of 51 years, Dennis; brother, Michael; daughter, Beverly Mason (Johanna Schoen) and grandchildren Haley, Madison, and Jackson; daughter, Rory (Kyle Frisina); and daughter, Renee (Ellen Landrum) and grandchildren Sophie, Rose, and Wilder. She also cherished her relationships with her nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please direct gifts to the Bath United Methodist Church and/or Haven House of East Lansing. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
26 Messages to “Sharon Lee Neuner”
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Tina Carantza
November 13, 2020 at 8:35 pmI was saddened to hear of the passing of Sharon. I’ve known Sharon for many years from working at the BWL. I remember Sharon as always a kind and gentle soul. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you, her family and friends. God bless to all, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully,
Tina Carantza
Linda Rasor
November 14, 2020 at 10:47 amMy condolences to the family. Saddened to hear of her passing. I remember her fondly. She just crossed my mind a few days ago She was a kind individual, thoughtful. Always had a smile, positive attitude and kind word. The world will miss her.
Diane K Stuart
November 14, 2020 at 3:14 pmI just heard of Sharon’s passing; it’s difficult to believe.
I’m so sorry for her family and close friends. She always made me feel special with just her smile and kindness. She always took time to ask how I was doing. She never made me feel she was too busy. Her genuine warm personality will be missed by anyone who had an opportunity to have met her.
Lori Shader-Patterson
November 15, 2020 at 8:57 amDennis,
I am so sorry to learn about Sharon. She was a terrific partner to you, and I know you two successfully went through life together…through thick and thin.
May your many good memories of a successful marriage and your childrens’ accomplishments in a challenging world help you through this time.
You were a good friend…touch base….I’d love to see you.
Sheila Ide
November 15, 2020 at 1:04 pmSo sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. I got to know her when we worked in Personnel at the BWL. Wonderful lady and we enjoyed socializing with all our kids back in the day. My heartfelt sympathy & loving thoughts to the family at this sad time.
Greg Boyd
November 15, 2020 at 4:41 pmIt’s very sad news of Sharon’s unexpected passing. I remember Sharon as warm, inclusive, and unpretentious. Years ago it was wonderful sailing with Dennis and Sharon, enjoying dinner together and catching up on Rory’s and Renee’s adventures in their education and sport. I think of Sharon fondly and express my sincerest condolences to Dennis, their daughters, and extended family.
Donna Smith
November 16, 2020 at 2:02 pmI worked along side Sharon at the BWL for over twenty years in Human Resources. She was an amazing mentor and took me under her wing. She sure loved children. Such fond memories. Such a gentle, caring woman. She was so, so proud of her marriage and daughters – as she should have been. Cling to your faith and the many, many wonderful memories. Not many are privileged to have such an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother, and genuine friend as Sharon. She leaves huge a void. She leaves us all with a cherished legacy. My sincere condolences.
Steve Pollo
November 16, 2020 at 6:43 pmI was shocked to find out of Sharon’s passing. She was a bubbly person, and a true pleasure to work with. My sympathies to Dennis and Rory!
Nancy Kremsreiter
November 17, 2020 at 10:00 amI was lucky to know Sharon as a colleague and caring friend for many years. She will be missed by all who knew her. I extend my deepest condolences to Dennis, Rory, Renee and extended family in this dark time.
Lynda Patriarche
November 17, 2020 at 7:37 pmI was so very sorry to hear of Sharon’s passing. Not only did I know Sharon because of the friendship between my daughter and Rory, but also through the Capital Area Quilt Guild. Sharon will be sorely missed. Hopefully, the fond memories of her will help to bring you peace. Hugs to your family.
Kathy Kittle
November 17, 2020 at 9:25 pmThe first time I met Sharon we were volunteering at a quilt show that the Capitol City Quilt Guild was having. She was such a joy to be around and she was such a giving person. My condolences to your family. She will be missed.
Lonnie E Brewer
November 18, 2020 at 1:07 amI had met Sharon through Capital City Quilt guild. Being involved in many projects I could always count on her to step forward to volunteer. She was always eager to participate and be supportive. I have met many quilters but Sharon will always hold dear to my heart. She always seemed to beam with enthusiasm.
Lynn Adsit
November 18, 2020 at 9:26 amWe were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Sharon’s passing. She had a brilliant smile, and was so kind and compassionate. Greg and I always enjoyed seeing her at work. Our prayers and condolences to Dennis, Beverly, Rory, Renee and family. Prayers, Greg and Lynn Adsit
Shellie Starkey
November 18, 2020 at 12:11 pmDennis and family I’m so sorry for your loss, I’m truly blessed to have know Sharon for the past 40 years as I worked with her at the Board of Water & Light. It’s hard to believe that Sharon had retired 7 years ago, but to be apart of our retires luncheons and be apart of this fine group of women and all that we have shared over the years is so wonderful. Sharon was a big part of this group.
Such a beautiful, kind, generous, caring & loving person, she will be truly missed.
Sending my love & prayers to you and your family. Those memories you shared cherish always.
Love & Hugs
Shellie Starkey
Gloria Sutton
November 18, 2020 at 3:39 pmI was so sorry to hear about Sharon, she was such a dear and close friend. She helped me a lot on quilting projects, We also enjoyed our lunches at the University Club. I will dearly miss her’ her friend Gloria Sutton.
Ruby Freed
November 18, 2020 at 5:56 pmI knew Sharon as a warm, friendly, cheerful member of Capitol City Quilt Guild. I’ll miss her.
Bob Russell
November 18, 2020 at 5:57 pmI am so sorry to hear about Sharon’s passing. I got to know her when she was my secretary back in HR at the BWL. I remember Sharon as a great secretary who kept me out of a lot of trouble. Family was a big part for her even the last time I talked to her we were discussing our kids on where they are and what they are doing. My condolences to Dennis and daughters.
Melba Lacey
November 18, 2020 at 10:21 pmI am heartbroken to hear of Sharon’s passing. I could echo everyone’s comments to date, but mostly I experienced her fun side. We quilted together in an informal group making quilts for Veterans. We decided to call ourselves the Veteran Quilters because we made quilts for Veterans and because we were all old (veterans). We sewed together, we laughed together, we ate together.
Patsy Cooper
November 19, 2020 at 9:49 amPatsy Cooper and Warren Frisina
We met Sharon and Dennis for the first time at the wedding of our daughter, Kyle, to Rory in September 2019. She was instantly warm and gracious. What stands out in our memory was how very proud she was of her daughters and grandchildren. We’re very sorry we won’t have the chance to get to know her further. The many condolences here make clear we would have benefited greatly.
Jean Gannon
November 19, 2020 at 10:18 pmThere were 40+ years of being my close friend and co-worker, sharing lots of laughter, travels, plays, shopping, banquets, Secret Pals, baby showers, and all the while watching our girls grow up. Sharon was always there with a smile, or asking how she could help. Losing her as a best friend, I can only imagine your feelings of loss Dennis, Rory, and Renee. I know none us were ready to say goodbye. I hope reading everyone’s comments and memories of her and hearing how much light she brought to others will help you as you grieve.
Judy Heckathorn
November 20, 2020 at 10:41 amI met Sharon at a quilt retreat last year. What a lovely lady, what a loss. My heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Jack & De Chamberlain
November 20, 2020 at 9:02 pmWe were so sadden and sorry to hear of Sharons passing. Sharon was a good friend whom we had worked with at the BWL, we shared good times with an interests in boating , traveling together and quilting together. We want to express our deepest sympathy to Sharons family, she will be missed.
Cheryl Bliss
November 21, 2020 at 11:43 amI met Sharon at Capitol City Quilt Guild. I spent many quilting retreat weekends with her as well. What a wonderful friend. Sharon was kind, compassionate, and happy all the time. I’m so sorry to her family.
Alicia Armstrong
November 24, 2020 at 4:40 pmHi Renee and Rory,
I was so sad to learn about Sharon’s death. She was one on my favorite soccer mom’s, we had so much fun watching Renee and Susan play. Such a delightful person and so proud of her girls. It was nice to get know you Rory through the Lansing safe roads for all project. I have recently retired and was looking forward to spending more time at Lake Lansing, had hoped to walk with your Mom.
I am so sorry for your loss, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bradley Sullivan
December 16, 2020 at 11:00 amSincere condolences, Dennis. Saw the NYT story. Recognized your name, smile and beautiful wife. Our paths crossed long ago in Detroit during the McGovern campaign. Mogk for mayor, as well. I was fresh out of high school and that volunteer work was a treasured experience that I still often bore people with – these days, depending on who’s listening. Went on to graduate from MSU, intern for Perry Bullard, go to law school, practice in Chicago and retire to Traverse City in 2016 with my wife of 33 years. The lessons learned from those campaigns in 1972 & 73 were invaluable personally and professionally. You were a great teacher, Dennis. Thanks so much for providing the opportunity to me and so many others.
Wallace Long
February 28, 2021 at 3:49 pmDennis,
Sorry I’m late getting the news of Sharon’s passing and for your loss. Time and distance takes a toll, but I am now retired from prosecuting & the practice of law, (letting my wife at Jaffe do the lawyering) and have a life back… and a puppy. Hope we can get together & catch up on the last 50 years of life./ Wally