Christine Lessner

Christine "Renee" Lessner, age 72, of Jackson Springs, NC, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, in Monte Vista, Colorado. Born on November 17, 1952, in Washington, D.C., Renee lived a life marked by dedication, creativity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. She was a true free spirit.

Renee built a distinguished career in the legal profession, beginning as a legal secretary and rising to the role of paralegal. Her professional journey was defined by her solutions-oriented mindset long before such terms became commonplace. She took immense pride in her work and approached every task with precision and integrity. Renee was not only a leader in her field but also a trusted confidante and friend to many of her colleagues. Her time at firms such as Arter & Hadden, Akin Gump, and Katten was more than just employment—it was a shared journey with people she loved and respected deeply.

One of the most meaningful professional relationships in Renee's life was with Roger Furey. Their partnership transcended job titles; they were mentors to each other and considered one another family. Renee cherished her role as his right hand woman and held deep affection for Roger and the entire Furey family.

Her personal life was equally rich with love and connection. Renee is survived by her devoted fiancé, Robert Salter; her beloved daughter Amanda Gaumer and son-in-law Michael Gaumer; her sister Linda Epes and brother-in-law William Epes; her cherished grand-niece Lydia Burrill and many bonus sons and daughters that she took under her wing. She also leaves behind her dog son, Boogie "Cruisin Boogie," who brought her endless joy.

Renee was preceded in death by her husband Jon Lessner; her son Matthew Zachary Shaffer; her bonus son Derek Maner; her parents Charles and Lillian Burch; and her brothers Curtis, Buddy, and Craig Burch.

A woman of extraordinary talents and boundless curiosity, Renee's hobbies were as diverse as they were numerous. She immersed herself in basketmaking, beadworking, cross stitch, crochet, embroidery, quilting, knitting, lace making, silk ribbon embroidery, needlepoint, patchwork, rag rug crafting, jewelry making, painting, drawing, stained glass work, sculptured clay art, lampworking, glass blowing, dried flower art, wreath making—and that's only the beginning. She found joy in folk art and photography; she gardened with care and kayaked with spirit. She loved music and concerts; she traveled widely and volunteered generously.

Her civic engagement reflected her deep-rooted sense of responsibility to others. Renee served as treasurer for the Derby Fire Department in Ellerbe, North Carolina; was a poll worker for 20+ years, most recently serving as the chief judge at a precinct in her county; and gave of herself as a hospice volunteer—always putting others before herself.

Renee's spirituality was deeply woven into every aspect of her life. A Catholic who found solace in the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, she also embraced the spiritual beauty found in nature and human connection. Her faith was open-hearted—she shared fellowship with people of all beliefs or none at all. To Renee, "Love, Hope, Laugh and have Faith" were not just words—they were guiding principles.

She believed that "A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open," and lived accordingly—welcoming all with kindness and respect. Whether watching a sunrise, a sunset or planting something beautiful in the soil, she found profound peace in the natural world.

Those who knew Renee often said simply: "She saved my life." She was a light—giving advice when asked (and sometimes when not), always helping those around her with wisdom wrapped in humor. She was smart beyond measure, artistic beyond compare—a role model who led with joy and authenticity.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Renee's memory to Touchstone Center for Crafts (1049 Wharton Furnace Rd., Farmington, PA 15437; https://www.touchstonecrafts.org/support/donate/) or to the Derby Fire Department (2179 Derby Rd., Ellerbe, NC 28338).May Christine Renee Lessner's memory continue to inspire kindness, creativity, laughter—and above all—love.