Rosalie A. Lee

Rosalie (Rosaleen) was born in 1922, the daughter of James and Philomena McKendrick and raised in Derry, Northern Ireland. She is survived by her four children: Christopher of Columbia, MD, Alan and his wife Evonne of Ocean City, MD, Sheila George and her husband Jim of Fairfax, VA, Cameron and his wife Deborah of Gaithersburg, MD. She was blessed with six grandchildren: Matthew, Christopher, Brittany, Michael, Kristina, & Stephen. She was also blessed with six great grandchildren: Brynne, Savannah, Sydney, Brendan, Caroline, Rory and one step great-grandson Mason. She was the loving aunt of Jeanette, Brian, Kevin, Colette, Denise, Noreen, and great aunt and great-great aunt of many nephews and nieces.

Mom came of age during World War II. Her family-owned Erin’s Pub which was a natural gathering place for neighbors, friends and Allied military personnel stationed in Derry. She relished attending Big Band dances at the Red Cross with her sister Kathleen and friends. [According to mom and Aunt Kathleen, some dances were better than others since some allied warships had better dancers than other warships] She met her future husband, U.S. Marine Stokely S. Lee in Derry; they were married in April 1945. After the war, mom came to America as a war bride to start a new life and raise her family in Falls Church, VA in 1947. She and Dad transformed a house into a home by surrounding their children with unconditional love.

Mom had an uncanny ability to make friends. It never ceased to amaze us when she would go to stores, sit in waiting rooms, stand in lines and in no time have a new friend. She also had a deep fondness for animals. If she observed an animal being mistreated or not properly cared for, she had no hesitation in confronting the offender: even knocking on front doors to express her displeasure. She often claimed, falsely, to be from the Humane Society.

Mom was a longtime member of St. James and St. Philip Catholic churches in Falls Church. Her faith was absolute, never infringed upon by doubt. This deep faith was a constant companion providing comfort and hope throughout her life.

Rosalie was preceded in death by her parents, Her loving husband Stokely S. Lee. Her daughter; Erin Zelazny. Her sister; Kathleen LaHair. Her brother; James McKendrick. Her nephew; Shaun LaHair and her niece; Carolyn Pariseau.

Family will receive friends at St. Philip Catholic Church, 7500 St. Phillips Court, Falls Church, VA. 22042 on June 18, 2025, between the hours of 10am to 11am. A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am. Interment to follow at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in mom’s name to the Humane Society of your choice.