November 22, 1935 – July 30, 2026
Frieda Lamm Sanidas Leason, born on 22 November 1935 in Antwerp, Belgium to mother Rosa van Laar and father Walter Lamm, passed away peacefully on 30 July 2026 surrounded by family.
Frieda built an accomplished career in journalism, working with Voice of America and several news outlets in Belgium. She later founded and ran Entertainment Graphics in Denver, Colorado, where she wrote and printed programmes for shows and performances, including productions at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. She went on to serve as Honorary Consul of France from 1987 to 2006, supporting major international events hosted in Colorado, including Pope John Paul II’s visit for World Youth Day in 1993 and the 23rd G7 Summit in Denver in 1997. She held the rank of Honorary Consul Emeritus within the Consular Corps of Colorado until her passing.
She also co-founded the Rocky Mountain French-American Chamber of Commerce, helping strengthen trade and cultural ties between France and the Rocky Mountain region. The arts remained a central part of her life. She served as a producer, director, and actor with L’Alliance & Co., the theatrical production group of the Alliance Française de Denver, and was deeply involved with the Institute of International Education as well as the Metropolitan Opera National Council and its Regional Auditions program.
In 2006, Frieda Sanidas was named Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in recognition of her decades of service to the French Republic.
Frieda is survived by her sons: Matthew (Mia) and Oliver (Shuana), grandchildren: Madison, Alexander, Luke Brooks, and Ella. She is preceded in death by her husband Bernard Leason from 2006 until his death in 2022 and John Sanidas, MD (deceased in 2024) from 1959 to 2005.
Frieda touched many lives in Colorado and beyond. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many people around the world who knew her. Her family will continue to honor her strong spirit, energy, and love of life through their memories and the lives they lead.
May she rest in peace.
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