She is preceded in death by her husband Thomas J. Lee Sr.; her parents Mary Helen and Daniel Patrick Kiely; her daughters Judy McMath, Donna Lee and Janice Molsberry; and cousin, Ellie Cousart. She leaves behind her son Jim Lee and husband Uri Elon; son Thomas Lee Jr. and wife Margaret; son John Lee and wife Joan; son in law and best friend Henry McMath and cousin Peg Cousart. Betty had thirteen grandchildren: Judy Lee, Joey, Jeannie, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Robin, TJ, Brittany, Michelle, Justine, James, Catherine, and Matthew. She also had twenty great grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many cousins and family members in the Cousart families.
She entered into this life April 19, 1922. She spent much of her childhood and adult years in Philadelphia devoted to her family. Betty met Tom Lee and was a close family friend for many years. Tom and Betty married in 1971. She took on the role of a mother of 6. Together, they were instrumental in managing a huge family. Betty lost Tom in 1985, after 14 years of marriage. Betty was loved by all and a joy to be with. She was Irish to the core and had a wonderful Irish humor. She cared for so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren with passion. She was always a representative of strength to everyone in the family. She was the cement holding it together. She was a friend to everyone and made new friends every day. Betty was a tough Irish woman. She was not afraid to speak her mind but always maintained a great humility of a truly religious person to the day she died.
Betty dedicated herself to life. To her family. To St. John Vianney Catholic Church and her church peers. To those around her. To her friends. To everyone she met. She never forgot a birthday, an anniversary or any special event. There was always a card in the mail for whatever the occasion. She never forgot.
Betty will be truly missed. She had a life well spent and well enjoyed. Betty spent the last two years of her life in the assisted living community, Carriage Inn. She truly enjoyed her time there. She always shared stories about happy hour, comedians, music, bingo and stealing extra ice cream. She created lifelong friendships with staff and residence of Carriage Inn. For example, when any family came to visit for lunch it would take thirty minutes to reach the dining hall because Betty had so many friends she had to introduce her family to. She has left a legacy of kindness and selflessness for all to reflect upon. We all should be so Irish.
The Lees, the McMaths, along with the vast Cousart families would like to thank all those who have reached out during this time of sorrow with kind words and deeds. It is heartwarming to hear the stories of love and sacrifice shared by those who knew her well. Words cannot adequately express how very much she was loved and will be missed.
A Visitation starts at 9:45 am Wednesday September 12,2018 at St John Vianney Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 10:30 am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. The Committal will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston https://www.archgh.org/ways-to-give/
