Sharon Lee Pedersen

Sharon Lee Pedersen, age 95, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on May 27, 2026. She was born in Cody, Wyoming on February 13, 1931 to Seth Clifford Fritzler and Evelyn Cogswell Fritzler. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Charles, in 2019. Sharon's son Bruce passed away in 2023. Sharon is survived by her daughter Dana Reilly and husband Patrick; Dana's three sons, David Rascon, wife Sarah, and three children, Matthew, Madeline, and Michael; Jonathan Rascon, partner Lauren Ward, and daughter Saoirse Ward; and Dustin Rascon and fiancée, Leslie Loyd.

Sharon grew up in Cody, Wyoming and Long Pine, Nebraska. She distinguished herself at the University of Nebraska academically and in leadership roles. She was President of the Mortar Board Honor Society and was active in the Tri Delta Sorority. She starred in many plays there, notably as Cleopatra. Photos and memorabilia remind us of those days. Sharon was remarkable for her energy and enthusiasm. She was an English and Speech Major in the Teachers College and graduated in 1952 with Honors. Sharon worked as a high school teacher after college.

Sharon and Charles met at the University of Nebraska and married on February 8, 1954 in Valentine, Nebraska. Sharon was a partner with Charles as he served as an Episcopal priest in Ogallala, Nebraska, Denver, Colorado, Vernon, Amarillo, Canyon, and Lubbock, Texas, Newton, Kansas, and finally Overland Park, Kansas. She was a leader in civic activities wherever they lived. In Vernon, she taught art appreciation classes and brought art, music, poetry, and literature into our home. She applied her love of art and color to table settings, flower gardens, and framed art. While at Christ Church in Overland Park, Charles and Sharon traveled to Haiti and supported immunization programs for children and the building of a school. They shared a life of devotion beginning the day with Bible readings and the Book of Common Prayer.

During the years of ministry in West Texas, Sharon, Charles, Dana, and Bruce vacationed in New Mexico. They camped in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and enjoyed Santa Fe art, cuisine, and the opera. Jack's Creek Campground in the Pecos Wilderness was one of their favorite places. Camping, hiking, bird watching, and being outdoors was always a priority. In 1990, Sharon and Charles moved to Albuquerque to retire and be with Dana and family. They treasured times with grandsons David, Jonathan, and Dustin. Sharon and Charles volunteered at the Rose Society, Rio Grande Nature Center, and were longtime members of The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Audubon Society, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. They were members of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church for 35 years and volunteered in many ways including the Food Pantry. Sharon deeply missed Charles and their life together after he passed away in 2019. As a family friend said, now Sharon is perhaps on the most exciting adventure of her life, having passed into the eternal.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 10:00 at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 601 Montano NW, in Albuquerque, NM. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park.