Lee Ann Sahner

She was born on March 9, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, and attended Tilden High School. She met her husband of nearly 70 years, Melvin Sahner, at her Sweet 16 party. They raised their children Charlie and Mindi near the Jersey Shore, with Lee Ann studying for her bachelor’s degree part time.

After graduating magna cum laude from Georgian Court College in 1972, Lee went on to teach history and psychology at Jackson Memorial High School, and became a successful realtor later in life.

Lee loved her garden, where she filled the birdbath, fed the chipmunks, planted geraniums and tulips, and gazed at the stars. She also loved her many pets throughout the years, especially her beloved Siamese cats, Sweet Pea and Cinnamon Cookie, who are travelling with her. Lee would read several books a week, often mysteries, among them those by Agatha Christie. Among her favorite movies were “Casablanca” and “A Christmas Carol,” and she laughed too loudly in theaters if a film was funny enough.

Lee lived for Christmas, accumulating stocking stuffers year round, and for summer holidays in Manasquan, New Jersey, with her family.

Husband Mel passed away in 2019, and she struggled to remain independent while waiting to be reunited with him once more. Nephew Jimmy was always there to help her make it through.

Lee was a very loving mother and grandmother, and her children and grandchildren were with her during her final week, reading to her and holding her hand.

She is survived by son Charles Sahner and his partner Dominica Ciccariello; daughter Mindi Sahner and her partner Barry Simon; four grandchildren: Jasmine Simone Sahner, Katie Rose Sahner, Sol Sahner and Zak Simon Houle; two great grandchildren: Sophie & Emma Simon; brother Martin Chasin, nephew James Eib, and family friend Daria Gorman.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 7, at 1 p.m. at Freehold Hebrew Burial Society Cemetery, 164 State Route 33 Business, Freehold Township, New Jersey. Guests are asked to be at the cemetery by 12:45 p.m.