Associate Francine Lee June 4, 1940 – February 14, 2024, Accepted August 9, 2012

Francine Lee was born on June 4, 1940, in Los Angeles. She spent her childhood in the city and attended Holy Redeemer School, where she met her husband, Bill, in BVM Mary Lou Larkin’s (d.) class. The couple had an abiding friendship with Mary Lou, who suggested they become associates. Francine and Bill had two children, Jenny and Andy, and numerous grandchildren. On Feb. 14, Francine died in the hospital having received holy communion and the last rites.

Francine dedicated 39 years of her life to teaching kindergarten, with an impressive tenure of 36 years spent at the same school. After she retired, Francine still embodied the core value of education by volunteering in school classrooms, libraries, and leading Bible studies. She was also known to volunteer in the choir, garden, church office work, lecturing, and with the local Loaves and Fishes ministry.

BVM Vicki Smurlo shared, “Francine was a much-loved member of the Montrose cluster with a big heart, cheerful disposition, and sincere commitment to volunteering in her church and the community.”