Alice Lee

While it is possible to work hard to achieve your life goals, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Alice Lee. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential while acting as an example to those around her. Alice was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She had an ambitious heart and loved sharing her knowledge and interests with others. She was rarely quiet and reserved, and had a natural ability to lead. Her style of communication was authentic and direct. Creativity was innate to Alice, and she was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative theories and strategies for how to help those around her. Her wisdom and kindness made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

From the time she was born on March 1, 1945, Alice showed a deep concern for others and a desire to learn. She was a giving and caring individual, and full of energy and warmth. Alice was raised in Manhattan, NY by her parents, Eric and Brenda Wang. They taught her the importance of hard work and self-discipline, but with that, how to never lose passion for her goals and dreams.

Maintaining a strong relationship with her family was important to Alice. Being the eldest, she felt the necessity to take the role of leader and peacemaker with her two younger sisters, Lily and Rose. Alice was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly. She encouraged her sisters to find their own individuality, and as such, her two sisters always looked up to Alice as a role model. She loved sharing her personal interests with them, and was always helping them find new ways to create. Alice being the boss and musician, Lily the poet, and Rose who loved to play dress up – the three girls loved to make up skits and perform concerts for their friends and family.

As a young girl, Alice interacted well with other children. She was always helpful to others in the world of academics and arts. She was a bright student with a vivid imagination. In her spare time, she took music lessons and became a proficient violinist by a very young age. When she was 10, Alice won the International Prize of the Grumiaux Violin Competition.

Enthusiastic to learn, Alice was considered by many to be a high achiever. She graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in 1962 with an Advanced Academic Diploma and was offered a scholarship to Juilliard to play music.

Alice became known to her peers in college as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of knowledge, but especially those in the Musical Performing Arts. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Juilliard in 1966. She also pursued graduate school at Juilliard, earning her Master of Music in 1968. While in college, Alice got her foot in the door of musical theatre by interning as a Conductor's Assistant for several Broadway productions. Her work ethic and talent lead to her eventual role as a violinist in the orchestra. She was booked from her very first audition.

Alice’s primary occupation remained an orchestral violinist. She played in numerous Broadway productions over several decades including Les Misérables, Cats, and Phantom of the Opera. Alice projected a positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable and confident in her abilities and worked hard at all times to maintain a calm demeanor amongst the fast-paced and stressful work environment that was Broadway. Alice possessed excellent musical insight and was able to learn new arrangements very quickly – although, she could be a perfectionist at times, and demonstrated her commitment by practicing longer and harder than most of her colleages. She was a focused and diligent violinist who worked well in the ensemble.

While completely devoted to her career and not expecting to find love, it was then that Alice met her future husband, Chester, while rehearsing for the musical Singin’ In The Rain. He was instantly mesmerized by her beauty, drive, and compassion for others. They eventually married at the Pier A Harbor House in Manhattan. Their careers were a dream, but they both knew their lives wouldn’t be complete without a child.

Alice had her first and only child, a daughter, Hattie in December of 1972. Even while balancing a busy career, all who knew Alice would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how she was able to bond with her family. She could be a firm disciplinarian, but also filled the role of being a nurturer quite well. Alice was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Alice and Chester were also blessed with two grandchildren later in life, Deena and Dom.

Alice not only had agile fingers to play the violin, but also a green thumb. Outside of music, she was quite fond of gardening. She had a beautiful rooftop garden in her Manhattan home, and always kept fresh flowers in the windowsills. She loved cooking healthy recipes for her family and often used fresh herbs and spices she grew herself.

Alice was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Alice's favorites was Queenie, a red parrot. They were best friends for 27 years.

Alice travelled to many cities while touring for musicals. Some of her favorite destinations included Cincinnati, Ohio and Dallas, Texas. The beautiful Cincinnati skyline and the Texas food were things she’d always looked forward to experiencing when travelling to those areas. Alice was a well-respected woman in her industry. As a result, she received many accolades for her talents and efforts. Alice was a part of several Broadway ensembles that have won the Tony Award for Best Orchestrations.

As someone who treasured harmony not only in music, but in life, Alice accepted her retirement from Broadway at the age of 60. She and Chester were well prepared for their new beginning. Her post-orchestra life involved relocating to the outer banks of North Carolina for a more relaxed lifestyle. In retirement, she found new pleasure in giving at-home violin lessons to younger, aspiring musicians. In addition, she was able to expand her once rooftop garden into a beautiful backyard oasis filled with raised garden beds, fruit trees, and vibrant flowers.

Alice passed away peacefully in her North Carolina home surrounded by those closest to her. She is survived by her daughter Hattie, her grandchildren Deena and Dom, and her sister Rose.

Outspoken and vibrant, Alice was always able and willing to assist and give to others. Alice carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and offered great wisdom to her peers. A poetic, intuitive teacher, Alice Lee shared herself freely, and family and friends will remember Alice most for her determination, leadership, and compassion.