Leandra Frazier

The Frazier and Spencer families announce with profound sadness the passing of Leandra Lynn Frazier on January 3, 2011. Words cannot adequately describe the loss felt by her family, and her wide-ranging group of loving, devoted friends. As we attempt to come to grips with what has happened to Lea, we pledge devotion to her memory and her unique spirit.

Lea was born in Columbus, Ohio on August 7, 1962, the youngest child in her family. Lea grew into a cute, but stubborn, Midwestern child to whom nothing came easy, and lessons were learned through scraped knees and challenging ways. Lea displayed, from an early age, many of her hallmark characteristics: fierce loyalty, athleticism, unique beauty, and above all, a refusal to back down or quit. Lea graduated from high school in Columbus, settled into a nice career as a commercial loan officer, and became one of the most feared female softball players in Columbus. She married Eric in 1989, and had two children, Spencer and Anna. In 1996, the family moved to her beloved Parker, Colorado.

Lea raised and nurtured her two children, became a passionate advocate for all aspects of their development and growth, and developed a deep love of the unique beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Lea reflected many times that if she could start a career over again it would have been as a park ranger at one of Colorado’s unique National Parks. A passionate “sports mom,” she spent years watching and cheering her children in baseball, hockey, tennis and soccer. In turn she developed into a wonderful tennis player herself. Lea also slowly built a diverse group of Colorado friends, who were drawn to her straightforward, honest approach to life, as well as her compassionate spirit and good humor. As her children grew, she became a trusted friend to their friends who honored her with the name “Mama Fraz.” Lea also developed a strong desire to experience all the joys that extensive travel and vacations can bring to a family in search of lasting memories and beautiful locations.

In the last years of her life, we all shared the belief that she had beaten breast cancer. She allowed herself to enjoy life more that she ever had. She became, in many ways, the best “Lea” that any of her family and friends had ever seen. She was happier and more desirous of squeezing out every drop of life that could be found in each day. She looked forward to many decades of retirement, travel, and watching her beloved children grow into happy adults.

At the end of her life, she simply asked her children to look to the future with the same guiding principal that she adhered to in her own life: “if you say you are going to do something, you should do it or else it was nothing but cheap talk.” When she understood the severity of her medical crisis, she never once blinked or expressed fear. Instead, she calmly stated that she thought she would have more time, and that she hoped that her children would be true to themselves and find their own unique paths in this complicated world.

Lea died with dignity, courage and a Herculean fight to the end against a savage disease – breast cancer. A charitable organization has been established in her honor called Leashelpinghand.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Leashelpinghand.com, which will carefully partner with organizations in Parker, Colorado to help in the fight against breast cancer and food for the needy. Lea’s organization will provide funds to those who need support for early detection of breast cancer and/or support once diagnosed. It will also work with the local food banks and other related support agencies. Contributions to Leashelpinghand.com will be used wisely and creatively to honor Lea’s unique character and her compassion for helping others.