Cecile Marguerite Lee

Cecile “Cis” slipped away on a cloudy Thanksgiving Monday afternoon after a fierce and courageous battle with dementia.   She passed away peacefully, listening to music and holding Dixie’s hand.  Cecile was a strong, independent, intelligent, and intensely private woman who lived life on her own terms.

 

Cecile was born in North Bay, Ontario and was the youngest of three children.  It was during those early years she developed a deep appreciation of the outdoors that was to last the rest of her life.  When it was time to decide what to do with her life, she enrolled at St. Joseph’s Nursing College in North Bay.   While she was there, she made some lifelong friends, worked hard and, occasionally, broke curfew.   She was very proud of being an RN and graduate of the 1950 nursing class.

 

In 1954, she married James Francis “Frank” Lee.   Cecile was very proud of the fact that she and Frank adopted two girls:  Dixie and Christa Mae.

 

Cecile was a perfectionist and had very high standards.  Her home was immaculate, her singing voice was exquisite and her athletic abilities were unparalleled.  Every sport she took up as an adult, she did with great panache and success.  Cecile adored exploring the world.   Her most memorable adventure was going to Antarctica and walking the beaches with penguins.

 

Cecile was absolutely thrilled to become “Nan” to Timothy and Graham.   She thought they were wonderful and took great pains to plan outings when they came to visit her in Ottawa or in Kelowna.   She delighted in their successes and loved to hear about their accomplishments.

 

Cecile’s last years were spent fighting dementia.    While there were moments of sparkle and humour in this particular part of her journey, we know that she is now in a better place.  On her long walks, she spent much of her time in prayer, so we know that she is now safe and happy in the arms of our Lord.

 

Cecile will be tremendously missed by Dixie, Greg, Tim and Graham.  She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

 

She is predeceased by her husband, Frank; daughter, Christa; parents, Rudolphe and Edesse Gauthier; sister, Jacqueline Lecour; and brother, Roland Gautier.

 

Many thanks to the staff at McConnell Place North who lovingly cared for Mom during the Edmonton portion of her battle.   We would also like to thank the staff at Sturgeon Community Hospital for their support during this most difficult time.   To the many friends who have accompanied us on this path, there are no words to adequately express our gratitude for their love.

 

A funeral liturgy will be held at Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Chapel on Saturday, October 23 at 2:00 p.m. MST. All attendees will require photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative Covid test within 72 hours. A reception will not be held.

 

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, 306-10430 61 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 2J3.