Sharon Kortum Leppert

Sharon Kortum Leppert of Estero, Florida, passed away on July 19, 2023. Sharon was born in Chicago on November 14, 1946. She was the first child of Edward and Eleanor (Celmer) Kortum. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, David; daughter Jessica (Dan); her siblings Janice (Rich) Anders, Edward Kortum, Nancy Kortum, Mary (Jack) Clarke, Sandy Walsh; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Diane (John) Starkey and Jill Kortum. Sharon grew up in Glenview, Illinois, and attended Maine East High School. She earned a degree in Home Economics from Northern Illinois University.

After graduation she worked as a Registered Dietitian. For most of her career she worked in elder nutrition: managing a large senior feeding program, providing dietary services at long term care facilities, and leading a menu development program for a software company. She was an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, holding multiple leadership roles including president of the Broward County, Florida, Dietetic Association, chair of the Healthy Aging Practice Group, and member of the House of Delegates.

Prior to retirement, Sharon lived 23 years in Plano, Texas, and made many friends there. In retirement she enjoyed tennis, playing cards with her friends, and traveling.

A memorial mass will be held on September 23rd at Holy Ghost Church in Wood Dale, IL. A celebration of life will be held on November 5th in Estero, Florida.

She will be missed by her family and many friends and colleagues. The family asks that in lieu of flowers you send donations on her behalf to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation.