Sharon J. Lee

Sharon Jean Lee, born on July 27, 1951, to Lena and Irwin Wagner in the rural hamlet of Ashley, North Dakota, passed away peacefully in her home on June 1, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

In July 1975, Sharon, along with her husband and first-born child, moved from Gregory, South Dakota, to Gillette, Wyoming, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Sharon's career choices reflected her deep compassion and understanding of life's full cycle. She initially ran a neighborhood daycare from her home, providing a nurturing space for young children, and later worked at Pioneer Manor retirement home, where she offered comfort and care to the elderly. Her ability to create a warm and welcoming environment was evident as she always opened her home to friends, family members, and community members for coffee, conversations, and casseroles.  

As a mother, she piled miles on the family minivan chauffeuring her four kids -Beth, Bryon, Brinda, and Brad, affectionately referred to as the “4 B's” - to various activities, including Civil Air Patrol events, basketball practices, violin recitals, and Little League games. She delighted in the pride of experiencing her kids' success in these endeavors.

Her marriage to Galen Lee was a testament to her commitment, as they celebrated their 50th anniversary on February 23rd of this year. Sharon's quiet strength and dependability as a spouse, mother, and community member were hallmarks of her character. She was a problem solver who enjoyed concocting meals at the Manor, balancing her children's busy schedules, completing crossword puzzles, solving Wheel of Fortune prompts, and nurturing her marriage.

Growing up on a dairy farm in North Dakota, Sharon developed a strong connection to the land and a close bond with her siblings—Idella, Susan, James, Diana, and Nancy. This rural upbringing instilled in her a love for open spaces and gardening, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her and Galen’s property provided a playground where her kids and later her three grandchildren—Sarah, Hannah, and Jaxs—could rambunctiously explore and learn through experiential play and work. Her love, support, kindness, and pride will continue to be an influence in the lives of her surviving family members.

Services will be held Wednesday June 12, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Gillette Memorial Chapel with a memorial to follow. Condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5^th Street, Gillette, WY 82716.