Sharon L. LeRoy

Sharon L. LeRoy, 78, passed after a brief illness at Geneva General Hospital on Monday, April 28th, 2025. All wishing to pay their respects to Sharon’s family are welcome to visit the family home at 2260 Lower Lake Rd., Seneca Falls from 5 PM Tuesday, April 29th until 10 AM Thursday, May 1st, at which time a traditional Cayuga funeral service will be held. Following the funeral service, Sharon will be laid to rest in the Cayuga Nation Cemetery, Seneca Falls.

Sharon was born in Silver Creek, NY, daughter of the late Lee D. and Pauline (Doxtader) LeRoy Sr. She attended Gowanda Central School, graduating in 1964. It was after her schooling that Sharon became actively involved in serving the Cayuga Nation. She began her 50-year career as the Nation’s Executive Administrator, dedicating herself to the stewardship of enrollment, clan membership, and the preservation of the community’s structure and traditions. In continuing her steadfast commitment to the Nation, and the people she so strongly advocated for, Sharon worked tirelessly, under the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 to protect native children and their families.

With everything that Sharon did for her Native people, it was her position as the Secretary to the Nation’s Council, a position she held for over 40 years, that brought her an immense amount of pride. Her knowledge and expertise of the Cayuga people, and her knowledge of the traditional Longhouse, allowed her to share many of the teachings of the Cayuga Nation. There are many today who have benefitted from Sharon’s drive and desire to pass on the traditions of the Cayuga people.

Sharon is survived by her three sons; Seth A., Lee A., and Clint C. Halftown; four grandsons, Kori L. (Eliza), LeRoy (Kendra), Seth H., Connor B “#4” (Emma) Halftown; eight great-grandchildren including one on the way; sister, Irene B. Jimerson; and nephew, Gerald “Toop” Jimerson. In addition to her parents, Sharon was predeceased by twelve siblings, including her sister, Helen Nephew.