Remembering Sharon Leis: A familiar face in community newspapers for decades
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- 4 min read
By Galen Simmons
For generations of readers, advertisers and residents across Wilmot Township and beyond, Sharon Leis was more than a newspaper sales representative.
She was a familiar, local face of community journalism itself.
Leis, longtime advertising sales representative with the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette and a fixture in local newspapers for decades, died Saturday following an illness. She leaves behind not only a long and respected career in community newspapers, but countless friendships and connections built through years of supporting local businesses, organizations and residents.
Before joining Grant Haven Media and the Wilmot Post in 2020 – a newspaper that would later become the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette – Leis spent much of her career with Metroland Media and the New Hamburg Independent, where she became widely known throughout the community.
“Sharon Leis was the face of newspapers in our community for many decades,” said Paul Knowles, former editor and publisher of the New Hamburg Independent.
Knowles recalled arriving at the Independent in the mid-1980s to find Leis already a cornerstone of the advertising department.
“As a member of our team, she was consistently professional, loyal and brimming with sly humour,” Knowles said. “We all loved her.”
More than 35 years later, Knowles was surprised and delighted to reconnect with Leis through the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette after joining Grant Haven Media as a weekly travel columnist.
“(She was) still bringing her love for her community, and for the newspaper business, to her work,” he said. “Whenever I encountered her, I came away with a smile.”
Grant Haven Media publisher Stewart Grant first met Leis on Sept. 18, 2020, during the early days of launching the Wilmot Post.
“She made an immediate impression, and I asked her to join our team on the spot,” Grant said. “Sharon was thrilled to renew her many close connections in the community and, as a result, the Post had plenty of advertisements in it right from the start.”
Though hired as a sales representative, those who worked alongside Leis say her contributions went far beyond advertising.
“She did it all,” Grant said. “She was an expert proof-reader who caught many typos others missed. Within our team, she was the ultimate cheerleader who was the first to celebrate others’ successes.”
Her dedication to community journalism was something colleagues say never faded, even after retirement.
“The word ‘retirement’ never suited Sharon,” said Jen Gaetan, a former Metroland colleague who later worked with Leis again at Grant Haven Media. “She deeply believed in small-town businesses and the people behind them. To Sharon, clients were never just accounts; they were neighbours, friends and part of the community she cared about so fiercely.”
Heather Dunbar, Grant Haven Media’s director of business development, first worked with Leis in 2001 and later reunited with her at Grant Haven Media.
“Sharon always put her clients first and was fiercely dedicated to local community news,” Dunbar said. “She seemed to know what was happening before anyone else and always knew exactly who to connect with to get the story or find the answer.”
Dunbar added Leis brought humour, honesty and encouragement to every workplace she entered.
“She was a straight shooter – honest, direct and genuine,” Dunbar said. “She will be remembered not only for her professionalism and dedication, but also for the energy, laughter and support she brought to those around her.”
That warmth extended far beyond the newsroom.
Erik Kuttis, president of TLC Pet Food in New Hamburg, described Leis as both a longtime advertising partner and a close family friend.
“She was a strong advocate for local journalism and was so proud of Grant Haven Media,” Kuttis said. “What really mattered to Sharon, though, was her family. She loved sharing updates and lit up when telling stories about the grandkids.”
“What I will remember most about Sharon is that wonderful laugh,” he added. “Sharon could light up a room with her uninhibited laugh.”
For many who knew her, that laughter, kindness and unwavering support for local journalism will remain her lasting legacy.
“She was more than just a co-worker; she was a wonderful friend,” said Grant Haven Media sales and marketing consultant Mamta Patel. “Her cheerful spirit and positive energy brightened every encounter we had.”
“Sharon was incredibly organized and detail oriented, qualities that made my job so much easier and reflected the pride she took in her work,” added Gazette graphic designer Erin Parsons. “More than anything, it was clear she had a genuine passion for serving her community and helping local businesses succeed. She will be very dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with her.”
As the community reflects on Leis’ life and career, one thing remains clear: her impact on local newspapers – and on the people who produce them – will not soon be forgotten.
A visitation for Leis will be held at Mark Jutzi Funeral Home in New Hamburg May 26 from 5-8 p.m. and May 27 from 1-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. A funeral will be held Steinmann Mennonite Church May 28 at 11 a.m. We at Grant Haven Media are encouraging everyone who knew or worked with Leis to come out and show their support for her family.