Lee Sha Andary D.D.S.

Lee Sha Andary passed away at age 95 on Thursday, September 3rd 2026 at his Grosse Pointe Farms home, with family by his side. While he had a 5-year decline in health, he was happy and content, interactive and at home to the end. His long-standing prayer was answered when he passed peacefully in his sleep. Lee is now happily reunited with his wife (Catherine Hammond Andary) whom he has been unapologetically and pathetically devoted to since they were married in 1956. As he would put it, he lived a “Charmed Life" and took advantage of his time on earth. After serving in the Army as a captain, he built a successful career as a dentist, adored by the patients he loved so much. When he was not working, which was often, he enjoyed multiple sports including golf (at least 3 holes-in-one), tennis, platform tennis, bowling leagues with his brothers, skiing, jogging, and even football, (he caught a touchdown pass in his 80s on Thanksgiving morning). He played baseball, volleyball, and bocce ball at family picnics. At De La Salle High School, he played quarterback, and modestly claimed, when prompted, to have never been knocked down or lose a boxing match in the CYO. Of all his successes in life, his most notable accomplishment was marrying his wife Cathy. He often said “I am 90% bad and 10% good, and your mother brings out the 10%.” Happily devoted to each other, together they had a great life filled with love, laughter and adventure. Lee and Cathy traveled the world in style from Australia to Scandinavia, St Petersburg to Egypt, and from Ireland to Lebanon. They enjoyed skiing and golfing in northern Michigan with their children and friends. Lee was a world class beach bum earning him the nickname “beach professor” from his friends. He could spend all day on the beach, whether in Longboat Key, Florida or Grand Bend, Canada. Ultimately, Lee’s most important legacy is his profound impact he left on his loving family and great friends. Honest and ethical, his advice was deeply wise. Yet, he was just as quick to share a beer or two, while telling a fabulous joke, funny story or debating the world’s problems. He preached and lived “Family First.” Together with Cathy, he was a remarkable parent and they are the foundation for his children's happy marriages and families. Printed words cannot capture the depth of his positive influence on our lives.

Lee Sha Andary is survived by his four children; Michael Thomas Andary, M.D. (Ellen) of East Lansing, MI, Susan Andary Wells (John) of Farmington Hills, MI, Diane Andary Coon (Brad) of Muskegon, MI and John Leesha Andary, M.D. (Kathy) of Idaho Falls, ID; his fourteen grandchildren; Catherine, Caroline, David, William, Caitlin, James, John, Michelle, Robert, Thomas, Steven, Nicholas, Claire, and Jack; 4 great grandchildren; Cecilia, Vivia, John, and Archie. He was preceded in death by his parents Leesha and Allia (Mansour) Andary, his siblings George, Peter, Fred, Joseph, Theresa, Catherine, and Thomas.

Funeral Arrangements: Visitation is Sunday, October 18, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 7 p.m., at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236.

He will lie instate at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 from 9:30 a.m. Monday, October 19, until mass begins at 10:00 a.m. There will be a celebration of life gathering following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P. O. Box 1000, Dept. 142; Memphis, TN 38148-0142.