Sharon Leppanen Obituary


SHARON VIOLET LEPPANEN
August 15, 1941 ~ December 14, 2012

Sharon passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her husband and family. She was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer in January 2012 and went through several chemo infusions and radiation treatments. Sharon was very courageous and determined to beat the cancer; by this she demonstrated, what we Finns know as, "Sisu," remaining active right up until the last two months.
Sharon met and married her husband, Lynn, in June 1962. That summer they manned a Forest Service fire lookout in Montana. They both graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1963 and moved to the Ranger Station in Kettle Falls, WA. Subsequently, they moved to Sullivan Lake, WA, Yaak, MT, Murphy Lake, MT, Silver Lake, OR, Lake Quinault, WA, Brush Prairie, WA, and finally to their retirement home near Heisson, WA in 1996.
Sharon retired in 2002 from the Evergreen School District, concluding 30 years of teaching elementary levels at six locations in these states. Living for the first 22 years at ranger stations, Sharon came to enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and teaching all in small communities. When they moved to WA, they spent many weekends and extended periods of time fishing for salmon and halibut on the Pacific Ocean and the Inland Passage. Shell-fishing was also a favorite activity. At home, Sharon enjoyed watching the local wildlife, gardening, and tending to her flower beds. Sharon was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church and was loved by all who came in contact with her.
A memorial to celebrate Sharon's life will be held this spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) in search of the cure for her beloved granddaughter are appreciated.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Lynn Leppanen; sons, Jay Leppanen, Scot Leppanen and wife, Januaria; granddaughter, Kirsi; Sharon's mother, Violet; her brothers, Duane, Alan, and Kevin; and sister, Lori Ann.
Please sign her Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Jan. 13, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Sharon Leppanen

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Sharonin muistolle

Kaisa ja Pentti Mykrä

February 12, 2013

Sharonin muistolle

Kirsti Käsmä (Viikinen)

January 19, 2013

I had the divine privilege of meeting this lovely lady once, through her son Scot. Shortly after that meeting we became friends via "Words With Friends" and she was a very worthy opponent! We had many wonderful chats through the chat feature on this game and I found her to be a wonderful conversationalist. We talked about everything from the gardening, clam digging and hints for preserving foods! I also admired her strong spirit as she fought valiantly through her terrible battle with lymphoma. Although we only met in person once, she has touched my life in a special way and I miss her terribly. I send my prayers and deepest condolences to her husband Lynn, their kids and extended families. A beautiful soul is now with the angels.

Kris L.

January 14, 2013

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Sharon Leppanen's name

Memorial Events
for Sharon Leppanen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Sharon's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Sharon Leppanen's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more