Leslie Lynn Reutlinger

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, Leslie Lynn Sicotte Reutlinger, who passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 77.

Leslie was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. At the age of three, she came to the United States by train with her mother, Ruth Sicotte, and her two sisters, Karen and Lorraine, to join their father, Gilbert Sicotte, who had already come to America to pursue work on the railroads. Leslie grew up in San Jose, California, and attended James Lick High School, where she graduated in 1966.

Leslie had two daughters, Nicole and Gina, from her first marriage (Tim Frandsen). She later remarried the love of her life, Rick Reutlinger, with whom she shared 47 years of love, laughter, life, and many beautiful memories. She was also blessed to be present as both of her granddaughters, Jordan and Kyli, were born, and she deeply enjoyed every moment she spent with them.

Leslie worked for the City of San Jose for 22 years. In 2003, she retired from her position working for the Deputy Chief of Police at the San Jose Police Department, a job she truly loved.

Leslie lived a full and adventurous life. She was very active and exercised daily. In her earlier years, she was an avid runner and enjoyed participating in the Wharf to Wharf events in Santa Cruz, California, where she lived for a time. She also enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing, camping, boating, and spending time outdoors. She explored and traveled to 20 countries and went on several cruises. Whether close to home or across the world, Leslie embraced life with energy, curiosity, and a love for adventure.

She was not shy. Leslie was outgoing, full of energy, and made friends easily. She was generous and loved doing special things for the people she loved and cared for. She loved dancing, having fun, and was always willing to try new things.

Leslie was crafty, artistic, and beautifully creative. Her talents extended into being a fabulous decorator, both inside and outside the home. Her homes were always beautiful and carried her special touch. She had exquisite taste and a way of making everything around her feel beautiful and special. She was also a fabulous cook, and she loved bringing people together with the meals she made and the warmth she created.

Leslie loved a good glass of Merlot, a cold 805 beer, and her favorite food was lobster. She loved driving her convertible BMW, treasured her Bichon Frise, Andre, and cherished beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers. She also had an eclectic and vast collection of china and crystal. Leslie loved anything with sparkle and bling, including a favorite jacket she often wore with rhinestones dangling from it. These little details were so perfectly Leslie: elegant, fun, bold, playful, and full of personality.

Although Leslie grew up in San Jose, she was fortunate to live in many special places, including La Selva Beach, Tahoe City, and Gilroy, California, as well as Star, Idaho, and Sparks and Reno, Nevada, where she eventually settled.

Leslie was a beautiful person who could light up a room with her energy and laughter. She was loved by so many. She had a giving heart and helped the homeless, including donating many essentials to The Eddy House in Reno. She was also a dedicated Christian, and her faith in Jesus was strong.

Leslie was preceded in death by her daughter, Nicole Frandsen; her parents, Ruth Sicotte (Lambert) and Gilbert Sicotte; and her sister, Karen Van Dargriff.

She is survived by her loving husband, Rick Reutlinger; her daughter, Gina Resz (Frandsen); her beloved grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Though Alzheimer’s was part of Leslie’s final chapter, it never defined the fullness of her life or the love she gave. In her final moments, she was held, loved, and surrounded by family.

Leslie’s life was full of love, adventure, beauty, laughter, faith, creativity, and generosity. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.