ROCHESTER, NY: March 17, 2020, at age 70. Sharlene passed away peacefully with her beloved sister Norma by her side. Shar is predeceased by her husband, David Lehning, and is survived by her sons, Tony, Mikey and Bryan, and her grandson, Kelvin. She is also survived by siblings: Jack (Rose Marie), Tony (Ellyn), Ken (Cathy), Dave (Karen), Dennis (Dixie), and Norma (Mark Conley), along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shar was a professional and dedicated social worker throughout her career, serving her clients with energy and compassion. As a faithful member of the Spiritus Christi community, Shar found great joy singing in the Gospel Choir with her many friends, especially her beloved “Dream Team.” She took delight in preparing food for family and friends, who will always remember her spirited laugh. A truly remarkable person who faced the adversities of life with grace and dignity, Shar will always be loved, missed, and cherished. She was one of the kindest souls who ever walked the earth, and an inspiration to all who loved and knew her.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Sharlene’s life on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Spiritus Cristi Church, 121 Fitzhugh St. Rochester, NY 14614. All who knew and loved Shar are welcome to attend. For those who would like to remember Shar with a gift, please consider donating to Heritage Christian Services (https://heritagechristianservices.org/donate/) in her name.
Dear David and Jackson and et al,
My condolences to all of you at the passing of Charlene—a truly remarkable woman.
My heart goes out to you all and pray God’s blessings of comfort and grace in your lives.
Dave, Karen and Family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Our sincere condolences to the whole family. Shar was a true example of courage and faith in God. We will miss her loving smile and friendship. Our prayers for all of you
Love Skip and Anne
A beautifully accurate obit! Happy, graceful, dignified, kind and cherished is how we will always remember her.
Love to you all.
Rest in peace dear Shar reunited with Dave and loved ones!
My condolences especially to Brian, Mikey and Tony. To know her was to love her. I am so sorry that you’ve lost two wonderful parents way too soon.
A most wonderful person, always so giving and kind even with her many life challenges. She was truly, deeply loved and will be terribly missed by so many. Love to all of you.
Tony,Mikey and Bryan…..I just learned of the deaths of both of your wonderful parents.
My condolences to you and the rest of your family.
May fond memories of two very beautiful people carry you until you will all one day be reunited.
They both exemplified how to live life fully, well and unselfishly. May their example inspire others to follow and may God keep them.
Sincerely,
Rick Goodyear
Our sincere condolences go out to the entire Lehning family and to the Caiazza family. Sharlene was a wonderful person, always willing to help. We’ll always remember her laugh .It always reminded me of bells tinkling. She will surely be missed. Our hearts are full of prayer for both families near and far. May God be with you all and get you through this very difficult time. love and prayers.
A hard and sad loss for the entire family and so many loving friends. She left her mark on this troubled world and brought joy and happiness to many. God have mercy on her soul and hold her close in His arms. Peace.
As part of the Gospel choir family, we all know the special place she has in our hearts. Her voice inspired us all. Sending healing prayers to her dear family. Sharlene was a simply holy person!!!!!
My heart is broken and goes out to Sharlene and David’s sons, family, and friends. Our beautiful and gentle angel on earth is now embraced by heaven’s angels.
Sharlene lived her life by example proving that strength is from within. I am happy to say that I knew her sang with her, cried with her, laughed with her. And I have had some of her chocolate cake. Love you and miss you
Condolences go out to the family and prayers will be said at this sad time. Her family and friends she left behind will miss her terribly.
So very sorry to hear about Sharlend’s passing. The beautifully written obituary described her so perfectly. The world lost an angel! My deepest condolences to all of you!
So very sorry to hear about Sharlene’s passing. The beautifully written obituary described her so perfectly. The world lost an angel! My deepest condolences to all of you!
I used to live across the street from Dave and Sharlene. They both were such gentle souls. They raised 3 wonderful boys. Sharlene’s voice signing solos at Spirits were absolutely gorgeous. She is now with her beloved David. You both are finally at peace. Continue to shine you two. Brian,Mikey and Tony. You had the best parents. Rest in peace Charlene
How blessed was the world to have Sharlene in it! Her gentle spirit and warmth graced so many. God danced the day you were born and now He is smiling as you returned back to Him to be reunited with Dave. ❤️
I can always remember Shar as a fun loving little girl hanging out with my sisters and dressing up as a nun, swimming and family parties running around in her party dresses. I heard her singing in choir quite a few times and all the cooking for card night with Dave and the boys birthdays. How her smile, her laugh even with all the adversity’s with health had a wonderfully effect on all of us and never be forgotten
Shar was a wonderful woman, mom, wife and cousin.
My condolences to my cousins for the loss of your sister Sharlene. We’ll all miss her so.
Our deepest condolences to this glorious family and amazing soul.
May God dance with her and keep you comforted during your time of loss.
Our hearts are with you. 🙏🏻♥️
Our deepest condolences to the family for your loss. May your memories shine bright in your hearts. ❤️
Her kindness shone through her voice. Every not and was so heartfelt. Loved seeing her and her sons join the choir for their last song. Loving prayers for all
I am so sad to learn of Sharlenes passing. She was truly an angel here on earth, always pouring her heart into those around her and placing their concerns above her own. What she and Dave had with their boys was nothing short of perfect. I am glad she is reunited with her soulmate Dave, but sad to think of how her boys will miss them both. I feel blessed to have met Sharlene in this life and hope to see her again.
So, so sad…love you forever Shar. Just wanted to share lyrics from an old song, wonderful beautiful Shar: “I’ll be seeing you, in every lovely summer’s day, in everything that’s light and gay, I’ll always think of you that way…… I’ll find you in the morning sun, and when the night is new……I’ll be looking at the moon, but I’ll be seeing you.”
Forever, Johnny
My sincere condolences to Sharlene’s family. She was a wonderful friend. Heaven is so lucky to have her. I miss her so much. RIP my friend.
An absolute angel from heave who got her wings too early. I Know how much she loved Dave and her boys. A fighter and an inspirer- I will never forget for my whole life. Best chocolate cake ever. With love, Kate Embry
Sharlene was an amazing woman. I’m so grateful I had the honor of working with her and calling her my friend. I just now learned of her passing. My sincere condolences go to all of her family.
I hate that I’m just learning of Mrs. Lehning’s passing. The entire family treated me well and I appreciate all the time I got to spend with Tony. My heartfelt condolences go out to the family.