Arlene DeFrances Lee

passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday March 19, 2023 at the age

of 91 with loved ones by her side.

Arlene was born on March 10, 1932 to Lloyd and DeFrances Edwards in

Tekoa, Washington and graduated from Kellogg High School in 1950. She

attended Eastern Washington University where she met the love of her life,

Don Lee. They were married in 1955, and had two children, Bruce and

Brenda, while living first in Lewiston and then in Potlatch. The family

moved to Colville in 1961, where Mom was active in the Scouting program,

the Episcopal Church, and raising her family. In 1971 they moved to Otis

Orchards, WA, where she finished her degree in 1979, and began her

teaching career at Otis Orchards Elementary. She then went on to East

Farms Elementary, teaching in the primary grades and becoming a beloved

teacher. Our mother retired in 1997 having earned her master’s degree

while teaching. She had a positive impact on the many students she taught,

and as testament to her career, Mom was named “Teacher of the Year.”

After never having gone camping before she was married, our mom

became an enthusiast. Much of that time was spent at Priest Lake, where

she enjoyed picking huckleberries, reading, riding bikes, going for walks,

and sitting in the sun with her feet in the water. Family meant everything to

Mom and Dad, and they spent many summers at the lake with the children,

grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Mom had many interests when not teaching or camping. She was a

wonderful quilter, donating many of her quilts to children in need. She was

very involved in the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, where she

served for many years as the head of the Altar Guild and also as a member

of Daughters of the King. One of Mom’s favorite activities was working in

her garden . She surrounded herself and others wherever she was, with

fragrant, beautiful flowers.

Our mother is survived by her beloved husband Don, of 68 years, her

two children, Bruce (Jeanette), and Brenda (Richard), five grandchildren,

and 9 great grandchildren, with the promise of many generations to come.

She will be missed. Graveside services will be held in early August.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/spokane-cremation for the Lee family.