On Saturday, July 27th, Ms. Mary Josephine Lee passed away quietly, in the company of family, after 93 and a half years of living kindly, joyfully, and generously.
Born in 1926 in Newport, Vermont, on what must have been a cold January day, Mary moved to Millis with her family soon after. In 1928 her father purchased the Malachi Bullard house on Lovering Street in Medway, where she was raised with an ever-growing family on a bustling farm. After World War II, she graduated from Boston University and later became an elementary school teacher in Guilford, CT. After returning to Massachusetts to obtain an advanced degree in education, she ultimately became a professor at Northeastern University, helping future teachers master their craft.
After thirty years as a teacher of teachers, Mary left the farm in Medway to enjoy retirement in Newton with her long-time partner and best friend, Dr. Harold Zamansky, a fellow professor at Northeastern. Harold and Mary spent the next 25 years vacationing in Ogunquit and Cape Cod, attending the symphony, debating politics, dining out, squabbling occasionally, laughing frequently, and loving and caring for each other always.
Along with Dr. Zamansky, Mary will be missed dearly and remembered fondly by her family: The Lee family, Medway: George Charlotte, Steven, Catherine, Vivian and Henry, the Lee family, Hopedale: Heather, Jake and Trevor, the Lee family, Mendon: Nancy, Edward and Linda, the Leighton family, Walpole: Eric, Robin, Mark, Susan and Darlene, the Bresnahan family, Maine: Kathleen and Jack, the Alton family, Dudley: Kenneth, Lee, Bruce, Kurt and Kathleen, and the Lee Family, Upton, Robert, Marie and Michelle.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday, August 1st from 6 - 7 p.m. in the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber Street in Medway followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m.
Mary loved fine art, and believed art education was pivotal to children’s development. She was also an avid supporter of our American veterans wounded in combat. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to support the excellent art education programs at the Danforth museum in Framingham: https://danforth.framingham.edu/join-support/make-a-donation/ Or to the determined men and women at Disabled American Veterans who ensure our injured veterans get the care they deserve: https://www.dav.org/donate.