Lee Gaynor

August 26, 1939 - May 11, 2025

Lee Gaynor, of Monroe Township, New Jersey, formally a longtime resident of Manalapan, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025 at the age of 85.

Lee was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 26, 1939. She graduated from Jefferson High School and later attended Brooklyn College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in social work. While attending graduate school at City College of New York, Lee met and fell in love with her future husband Daniel.

A woman of exceptional warmth and wit, Lee was beloved by all who knew her. Her sharp mind and tenacious spirit helped her to become a successful real estate agent for forty-two years. Most of her career was spent with Weichert Realtors where she frequently achieved Million Dollar Club status.

An energetic and passionate individual, Lee immersed herself in many activities throughout her life. She found joy in reading, spending time on the golf course and at the bowling alley, and playing mah-jongg and canasta with friends. A frequent visitor to Atlantic City, she especially relished the excitement of a good game of blackjack.

Always willing to have fun and try something new, Lee embraced her life in her active adult community where she took part in a variety of activities including Yiddish and Women's Clubs, writing for the Regency newspaper and performing in several of the community plays.

Lee was a natural hostess who loved to entertain. Her home was often filled with laughter and music as she and her husband Daniel welcomed countless friends over the years. She had a gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel at home. Together, Lee and Daniel also shared a deep love of travel, exploring the world and collecting memories and stories from every corner of the globe.

Lee approached life with enthusiasm and a love for simple pleasures, but it was her family who brought her the greatest joy and fulfillment. She is survived by her loving daughters Lesley Ohlstein and Allison Palace and son-in-law Michael; her cherished grandchildren Amanda Ohlstein, Jason Ohlstein and his fiancée Amelia, Josh Palace and his wife Megan, and twins Marisa and Julia Palace. She also leaves behind her beloved niece Karen Libretto (John) and Amy Oricuolo (Steven) and nephews Andrew and Barry Silverman.

Lee was predeceased by her devoted husband Daniel Gaynor, her parents Abel and Jeanette Kantor, her brother Irving Cantor and his wife Joan, and her sister Grace Silverman and husband Mal.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lee's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).