Celeste Lehrer
Celeste Lehrer, a nature lover, and beloved early childhood teacher, passed away on June 27, 2023, at 64, after a valiant battle with lymphoma. She bravely endured new treatments, and proudly participated in clinical trials knowing this would help future lymphoma patients.
Born on December 24, 1958, at St. Luke’s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Celeste developed a deep appreciation for nature at an early age. She spent much of her childhood exploring the nearby woods and fields, climbing trees, and observing the plants and animals with her siblings. This love of the natural world would stay with her throughout her life.
After graduating from Greenfield High School, Celeste attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a degree in early childhood education. She went on to teach at several daycares and schools in Wisconsin before moving out to Washington, DC, and finishing her career.
Celeste was known for her gentle, caring approach to teaching and her ability to connect with all children and inspire their curiosity. She was passionate about creating a nurturing, safe environment where young children could learn, play, and explore their surroundings. Her love of nature and science was evident in her teaching.
Celeste’s impact on the lives of her family is immeasurable. She loved her eight grandchildren with such fervor they will no doubt feel the love for years to come.
Celeste is survived by her husband of 43 years, Dr. Jim Brey, and their three daughters, Catrine (Anthony) Machi, Mireille (Aaron) Hess, and Gabrielle (Christopher) Barry, her eight grandchildren Atticus, Marigold, Tony, Elia, Margaret, James, Edward, and Lucy, her siblings, Neil (Debbie), Jan (Laura), David, Peter(Chris), Jamie (Nancy), Cindy(Michael), and Damien (Judy) Lehrer. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jude and Doris Lehrer, and her loving sister, Anne. Celeste will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives she impacted through her teaching and love of nature.
A celebration of Celeste’s life will be held at 3:15 pm on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton. A time of visitation will be at the funeral home from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 16, 2023. Those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the celebration, view flowers or gifts given to the family, or watch a memorial video of Celeste may do so by returning here in the near future.
A memorial fund has been established in the name of Celeste A. Lehrer to benefit the Friends of Ledge View Nature Center, a place near and dear to her heart where she spent many happy hours volunteering. Memorials can be sent to Great Midwest Bank, SSB, 1050 E. Chestnut Street, Chilton, WI 53014.