Leonore F. Chalek

Lee was born in Woodridge, NY in view of her favorite Catskill mountains. She was the daughter of Harry and Bessie Dinaburg. A child of the Depression, her parents instilled in her the values of hard work, education and the need to nurture the bonds of family. When Lee was 10, the family moved to Brooklyn, NY. At only 19, Lee graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor’s Degree and took on the world with a 'can do', hardworking, and indomitable spirit... a Red-headed spitfire.

Armed with a degree in Chemistry, she met her husband, Mitchell Chalek, while working on the Manhattan Project. The couple began their family in Lake Hiawatha, NJ, welcoming their first son, Herbert. They moved to RI when Mitch began his career at Geigy Chemical and their family grew when Carl and Helen arrived. Motherhood did not deter her from having her own career as an educator and she reached her career pinnacle, as Department Chair at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. There, she created a shorthand system, and authored a textbook, workbook and dictionary. Her books are still available today.

Lee never left the house without makeup and a fully coordinated, fashion forward ensemble. One of her students remarked that in a 44 day term, she never wore the same outfit twice. She got her master's degree in her 50's, just because. After 35+ years, Lee retired, and for 18 years, gave of her time and talents, five days a week to volunteer jobs- she hosted a cable TV talk show for seniors; a radio show for the blind, and sat on several community organizations' Boards, for which she received accolades including a citation from the RI House of Representatives for her work with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate for children). She and Mitch traveled extensively with their friends and relatives.

At age 83, now ten years widowed, Lee moved to Syracuse, NY to be close to Helen and four grandchildren. She adopted this new home immediately, snagged a boyfriend (who drove at night) and they attended concerts, talks, parties and all family get-togethers. She never missed her weekly dance class. No matter where she went, Lee always dressed to the nines, with coordinating shoes, bag and hat. At 86, she had open heart surgery, and was slowed for a few weeks. She had to adapt her look to accommodate her new scar, so necklines were a bit less plunging, and scarves were a must have.

At 99, Lee decided independence was overrated and moved to Langdon Place, close to Herb and Daughter-in-law, Kathy and grandchildren Megan and Eric and great-grandson, Benjamin. This also allowed for less travel to her final resting place next to Mitch in Sharon, MA. Although her time at Langdon was brief, she made many friends and admirers, especially those who were impressed by her style and sense of humor.

Through her determination and inability to cry, "Uncle," Lee outlived most friends and relatives of The Greatest Generation, including her husband of 48 years, Mitch; sister, Gladys Katz; and her companion (and driver), Al Heyman. She is survived by her children, Herb (Kathy), Carl (Beth), Helen Kelley (Jeff Glass); grandchildren, Eric (Vicki Kasabian), Megan (Matthew) Garlin, Jacqueline Kelley (Michael Upchurch), Nicholas Kelley (Vanessa Lobato), Devon Kelley (Sarah Mills), Alexander Kelley (Mary Coleman); and great-grandchildren, Benjamin Garlin, Eilona Kelley and Ezra Kelley. The family would like to thank all the staff at Langdon Place at Exeter and Beacon Hospice for their loving care of Lee.

A graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 12:45 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Lee's memory to a charity of your choosing.