"I will always have fond memories of Nancy (Nana) with Maddie and Riley. She didn't take anyone's guff and told it like it was. She will be greatly missed."
In loving memory of
Nancy Lee
June 5, 1933 - April 24, 2019
PETERSON, MN - Nancy J. Lee, 85. of Peterson, MN died on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at her home.
Nancy was born on June 5, 1933, in Excelsior, MN to Fred and Mildred (Thompson) Meinking. She grew up in Yuba City, CA. Nancy was united in marriage with Curtis Lee in Reno, NV, on March 9, 1952. She moved to Curtis' family farm in Lee Valley in rural Peterson where she raised her four children. Nancy worked at Rush Products in Rushford, MN. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Peterson and enjoyed gardening and her raspberry patch.
Nancy is survived by her four children: Ted Lee, Michael (Mickele) Lee, Deana (James) Burt all of Peterson, MN and Lori (John) Burt of Utica, MN; nine grandchildren and six step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews, and by a brother, Norm Meinking.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother and one sister.
The public is invited to a family gathering to celebrate the life of Nancy on Saturday, May 11th, 1-4 P.M at her daughter's home at 33679 CTY. 25 N. , Peterson.
Tributes
"Nancy Lee...one of the great ones. I'm not at all surprised to read such touching tributes from family members. When I was growing up w/Ted, Nancy was all of those things to me, too. How she had room in her heart for so many kids over the years is both a mystery and a blessing. Thank you to her kids for sharing her."
"Nana- My heart is breaking?you are gone. Gone, but you will never be forgotten and what you have left behind are so many wonderful memories that will never fade. The love and appreciation I have for you and all you have done for me and my kids will live on. I remember you taking the kids to your raspberry patch to pick berries?rocking them to sleep in your rocking chair?helping them with their homework?letting them pick out pumpkins from your pumpkin patch, showing them your garden and flowers?always giving your time and love to them. Growing up in Lee Valley was amazing. Your house will always be my idea of home ? all us cousins playing outside together, tree climbing, hiking in the woods, adventures to Timbuctu. My childhood memories are magical because of you and Papa. Admiration will live in my heart forever for the strong woman you were. You were always there for me, with advice and a listening ear. You taught me to be tough and that ?Nana grit? will stay with me forever. You are already so very missed. There is a hole in my heart that feels like it can never be healed. But, I will try my hardest to be strong and fill it with your wisdom and unconditional love. I will miss our evening phone chats?going garage saling?recipe trading. I will miss our visits and your no-nonsense advice. I will miss my mentor. My Nana. My friend. Love, Trista (granddaughter) "
"I'm really going to miss our chats...friends for 80 years. Nancy and I were working on an almond huller one summer when the boss hired some guys from the base to knock the trees...When Nancy saw those Minnesota plates on Curtis' light blue convertible, it was love at first sight."
"Nana was a great person. And a very fantastic great grandmother. I know she loved everyone, even though she was a little tough, sometimes... She was a really strong person and I admire her a lot for that. She was someone I always looked up to. Nana took care of me and my two brothers, Riley and Hayden, a lot of our life and I am grateful for that. (Thank you, Nana!) I remember when I was very young, I'd always go over to Nana and Papa's house...lots of good memories there...She'd put up with my gibberish cursive that I learned from her when I was really young...she made me a brownie every day after school and helped me with my homework...she let me sit in her room and watch her Shirley Temple tapes...she'd make us noodles which I always thought were delicious. So many good memories. Again, thank you Nana. Love and miss you lots! -Maddie (great grand daughter)"
"I figured I'd post a letter I wrote for her, and read to her the day before she passed: Dear Nana, I figured I'd give you a letter since I'm much better at writing than I am at talking. It might seem like I don't take notice or express much, but the amazing things you've done and all the happiness you have given me are incredibly important to me and everyone else. I remember sleeping in your lap on the rocking chair as a child, or all the times you'd make me noodles and measure my height, telling me that I'd grown a little taller or the times you let me come up and play with the old toys you kept in your room. You'd give me hot chocolate (sometimes just microwaved chocolate milk, but it always tasted great). I just figured you should know that everything you do means a lot. Those are just a few noteworthy examples, but you do so much good that I could scarcely list it all, keep it up! Keep making people smile wherever you go. I?m glad you?re back home, I love you. Your great grandson: -Riley "