Lee Nesler

Lee Anne Nesler age 59, cherished daughter of Patricia (nee Hawley) and the late Donald Nesler;  dearest sister of  Clay (wife Donna); loving niece of Roberta Beaudway; dear aunt of Claire, Thomas, and Erik Nesler and friend of many. Lee is survived by her beloved pets, Latigo, Calamity Jane, Clementine, Sundance, Spitfire and Moonpie.

Lee was born in 1962 in Elgin, Illinois. Lee died suddenly on July 17, 2021 while doing what she loved most, riding her horse. She was born and raised in Elgin, Illinois where she developed her love for animals.  Lee attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science. She served as an intern at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago and held her first job at the River Banks Zoo and Gardens in Columbia, South Carolina. Lee continued her career at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium where she rose to be the general curator. She found her passion working in the field of animal welfare when she became the Executive Director of the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society in 2004.  She then moved to Myakka City, Florida to serve as the executive director of the Lemur Conservation Foundation, one of only a few places in the world where Lemurs are bred in captivity. After a national search, Lee joined the Lake Humane Society as the Executive Director. Within that time, she started a Low Cost Wellness Clinic, Auggie’s Pet Food Pantry, a TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program and the Cpl Joshua Harmon Pets to Vets program. She was a member of the 2016 Class of Leadership Lake County and a Board Member for the Ohio Animal Welfare Federation. Lee loved spending time with her pets, enjoyed outdoor photography, going to concerts and traveling. She especially enjoyed horseback riding. She was riding ponies by the time she was three years old. Lee loved life and is remembered as someone who was fearless, brave and bold. She had a great laugh and a dry sense of humor. She was a passionate and compassionate champion for all animals and will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Lee to The Lake Humane Society. Celebration of Life Service Monday, July 26, 2021 at 6:30 PM at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Lee  MONDAY 4-6:30PM.

You can make a donation in Lee’s memory here:

https://www.lakehumane.org/get-involved/make-a-donation/tribute-gift/