Mary Ellen Lee

Mary Ellen Lee (Doucher), 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2026. She was born on June 20, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Thomas A. Doucher Sr. and Rosemary Catherine (Garvey) Doucher.

Mary Ellen was raised in Upper Arlington and attended St. Joseph Academy. She continued her education at Columbus State and Ohio Northern University, and her exceptional talent in golf led her to San Diego State University, where she played competitively. A gifted athlete well ahead of her time, she possessed the skill to have pursued golf professionally.

Above all, Mary Ellen devoted her life to her family. She took great pride in her role as a mother and grandmother and was unmatched in her love and dedication to both. A devout Catholic, she was actively involved in every aspect of her five children’s lives.

Mary Ellen was known for her warmth and generous spirit; she never met a stranger. She had a remarkable gift for comforting all. She loved deeply, made the best of every circumstance, and met life with an enduring optimism. Her ability to see the light in every situation was a true gift to all who knew her. Anyone who ever received a hug from Mary Ellen felt her love and passion; it was affectionately known as the “Big Bear Hug.”

Mary Ellen is survived by her children, Kathleen (Dan) Whitney, Patricia Lee (Mike Abiog), Bobbi (Allan) Witt and Nancy (Justin) Brown; her grandchildren, Chase Lee, Macale Flanagan, Kyle Flanagan, Aidan Brown, Austin Brown, Drake Witt, Katriana Witt and Alana Lee-Abiog; and her siblings, Kathleen Ihnat and Paul Doucher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Theresa Lee, and her siblings, Thomas A. Doucher Jr. and Rosie Doucher.

Visitation will be held from 5:00PM to 6:30 PM on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Resurrection Cemetery Chapel, 9571 N. High Street, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035, with burial to follow.