Lee D. Taylor

Lee Taylor passed peacefully in her sleep, just the way she hoped it would go, at 4:30 a.m. on November 9, 2020. She was 92 years old, and in the span of those years, she lived several lifetimes; found great love; and created celebrations that will live forever in the memories of her family.

On Nov. 26, 1927, Lee was born in Trenton, Michigan to George S. Deamud, Sr. and Anna Mae (Stevens) Deamud. After losing her father at the age of 16, she along with her mother and brother lived with her grandfather, a city official, until his own passing. Her mother remarried twice. Lee is survived by her daughters, Sue Kernen and Tracy Rubstello, and her son, Porter Ross Taylor, III; her grandchildren, Holly and Callin Regan and Leah Taylor; and her great-grandson, Aeden Rice.

In 1950, Lee took a job as a flight attendant with Pan-American Airlines and left the Midwest for Seattle. She flew the friendly skies of the Alaska/Hawaii route on the famous Pan-Am Clipper Ships until 1955, during the golden age of air travel. She began as a stewardess and was promoted to a Purser. When she got married, her flying was grounded, but she carried with her the memories of those days of adventure, and she always loved this picture.

Prior to meeting her husband, Lee was engaged to a handsome FBI agent; he passed away in an accident shortly before their wedding. But Lee learned to love again, marrying Porter Ross Taylor Jr. on June 10, 1955 in Seattle—whom he wouldn't allow to answer his marriage proposal for 6 months so he could truly win her over; his countless love letters remain in the family to this day.

Lee brought Sue into this world on Aug. 10, 1956; Ross on May 14, 1958; and Tracy on July 25, 1960. She was active as a volunteer, serving at Overlake Golf & Country Club as the Ladies President; with the LPGA; and with Ryther Child Center, along with other community activities. She built a beautiful home with a lush and verdant garden, magnificently framed by her prized rose bushes, brilliant reds and yellows and sweet, soft pinks. She could often be heard practicing her beloved tap dancing in its hallways, with a closet full of sparkly costumes that would delight her eldest grandchild, Holly, years later. But the most beautiful memories were built within.

Lee loved golf, lived to play bridge, and was a hostess of the highest caliber. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, her loved ones would watch with amazement as she single-handedly prepared and served a multi-course meal, wearing pearls and a crisp apron knotted tight around her smart pantsuit, without so much as a hair from her perfectly coiffed auburn bob out of place. Lee was also fiercely devoted to board games, another holiday tradition, best enjoyed with a glass of her favorite pinot grigio and a chocolate-covered peanut cluster from See's Candies.

Lee and Porter were married for 57 years, until his passing. She moved to the Gardens at Town Square in 2012, where she met the third love of her life, Omar Vein, to whom she was deeply devoted until he passed in 2017. Lee spent her remaining days at Majestic Senior Care in Kirkland, surrounded as often as possible by her loving family, who delivered wine and chocolate as often as they could.

Her life will be honored with a private memorial service for immediate family only (date TBD). She will be laid to rest at the Memorial Gardens at BelPres Church in Bellevue.