Lenora Rosalie "Lee" Fieldson

Lenora (Lee) Fieldson, 85, of Melbourne, Florida, died on December 19, 2023, after a brief illness. She was a passionate and dynamic woman who touched the lives of everyone she knew. Those who knew her are fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn and grow from their time spent with her.

Lee was born in Lorain, Ohio, in 1938 to Frank and Mary Valentini, where she enjoyed many gatherings as part of a large extended Italian family. Lee was ill as a young child and went through multiple heart surgeries. While this presented many challenges in her early years, she never let it diminish her love of life. Lee attended Lorain High School and then began a long career in different areas of health care, including hospital administration, medical office management, and ultimately mental health counseling.

Lee met Tom Fieldson in 1962 and they were married that same year in Lorain, Ohio. They moved to Ogden, Kansas, where Tom was stationed in the US Army at Fort Riley.

Lee and Tom welcomed, through adoption, identical twin boys, Tom and Frank, into their lives in 1964. Even though they were just starting their marriage, and Tom was early in his military career, they embraced the opportunity to adopt Tom and Frank. Lee often said that her children were the greatest gifts in her life.

She treasured the time with her grandchildren, telling them stories of her own childhood, giving advice from her life lessons, and always listening to their life stories and challenges. Those that knew her will know the tale of the man on the train, the gift of the silver dollars, or the soldier on the bench. Her stories provided her loved ones with advice and wisdom, and she was always excited to listen to the stories of those she loved. She especially enjoyed playing cards and was a fierce Rummy competitor. Lee also enjoyed visiting and staying in touch with her extended family in Italy.

Lee enjoyed many strong friendships throughout her life, especially those who shared the loss of a spouse. After her husband Tom passed away at a young age, Lee joined a support group of widows and widowers in South Florida. She enjoyed long and lasting friendships with this group, staying in touch for decades.

Everyone who knew Lee knew her passion for cooking and travel. Her biggest joy in life was hosting family and friends, always cooking much more food than needed. She drew on her Italian heritage and world travels to create amazing meals and unforgettable experiences. She began every meal with the Italian phrase “Vieni a tavola e mangiamo”, meaning “come to the table and let’s eat”.

Lee will always be remembered for her strength, resilience, and willingness to listen. She never lost her curiosity and desire to learn. She will be missed every day as a mother, grandmother, and friend to many.

Lee was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Mary Valentini, husband Tom, and brother Frank Valentini. She is survived by her children Tom and wife Trish, Frank and wife Deb, and grandchildren Adam, Austin, Patrick, Brian, Annalise Harp, and Bennett Harp.

A private burial will be held at Fort Riley, Kansas, and a celebration of life will be held in Melbourne, Florida, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Disabled American Veterans (dav.org).

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