Obituary of Leslie Annette Hill
Leslie Annette Hill was born in Monroe on May 10, 1957. She was the second oldest child born to the union of the late George Thomas and Melvene Margaret (Boshnakian) Hill. She attended Monroe High School graduating with the Class of 1975. She furthered her education at Western Michigan University, obtaining her Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing.
In 1992, she would marry Joseph Lark, Sr. and the couple would be blessed with the birth of two children: Madeline and Joseph II. The children were her life and she selflessly provided for their every need.
Leslie loved to be outside; her favorite pastime was that of sailing. Originally taught by her father, she shared her love with anyone willing to listen. Her passion was passed along to her own children, both of whom became sailors themselves. Proudly, Leslie transported her children all across the country for sailboat racing. She was an active member of North Cape Yacht Club and headed the junior race team for many years. She was also very active in the Interlake Yachting Association and was a vital part of the I-LYA Junior Bay Week. This past year, Leslie received the I-LYA Commodore’s Award for her dedication to junior sailing.
For many years, Leslie was very successful during her career in Marketing Research for the National Family Opinion. In this capacity with NFO she held many high profile accounts with Hershey, Pepsi, and Kellogg’s.
Leslie, age 63, of Monroe passed away at home on Sunday, March 7, 2021 following a valiant battle with ALS. Just as with other areas of her life, Leslie fought hard, never complained, and never allowed the disease to take charge. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by a brother-in-law: Carl Sangetta.
To cherish her memory, Leslie leaves two children: Madeline Lark (Will Taylor) of Monroe and Joseph Lark II (Eden Zaleski) of Newport, Rhode Island; two sisters: Natalie Hill (Greg Lammie) of LaSalle and Emilie Hill Sangetta of Santa Clara, California; one brother: Rod (Janet) Hill of Lambertville; a half-sister: Patti Kolesar Stoltz (Rick) of Nekoosa, Wisconsin; three nieces and nephews: Evan Sangetta, George Hill II, and Margaret Hill; and her four legged companion: Finn, her very attentive rescue Newfoundland.
Friends may gather from 4:00pm-8:00pm on Friday, March 12, 2021 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe: 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will take place on Saturday; March 13, 2021 at 11:00am also at Merkle’s with Pastor Heather Boone officiating.
Memorials are suggested to the ALS Foundation of Michigan. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.