Marjorie Nell "Mickey" Fogarty Lee, 88, of Tallahassee died Tuesday (9/4) at her home surrounded by her three girls. Born in Bradenton, Florida, she came to Tallahassee and received her Library Science degree at FSU where she also played the french horn in the Marching Chiefs. She met her husband Jim at FSU who later transferred to UF, (traitor that he was) after serving in the Army. During his tenure with the Army, she served as librarian in Green Cove Springs, FL and Arlington, VA National Library. Following Jim's discharge from the army and graduation from UF she became an expert at traveling when Jim took a job with International Havester managing Manila Hemp plantations. They lived in Varadero, Cuba and then Davao, Philippines - all with an infant and toddler in tow!
Returning to Tallahassee to raise her family, Mickey's faith was of utmost importance to her - refining her life as she lived and grew into a strong, defined woman. She was a charter member of Faith Baptist, and later of Morningside Baptist. She was also an officer and member of Women's Aglow international and went on several mission trips including Guatemala. Following in the originally established vein of traveling, Mickey and her husband instilled a love of travel in their daughters by taking them on camping trips throughout the state of Florida, up the eastern seaboard and a grand trip to western United States resulting in many happy and crazy memories. Mickey traveled with Jim to Israel twice, drove on an extended fishing to trip throughout the interior of Mexico in their camper truck, and actually drove to Alaska in that same truck. Mickey retired as librarian from The State of Florida Legislative Library and was very passionate on keeping the State Library housed in Tallahassee, crossing political lines to voice her support.
A person of considerable compassion, she taught her children at an early age to be generous and to have compassion for others, living the example by sacrificing for her children, family and others. Mickey was an enthusiastic genealogist..following in her mother's footsteps, and continuing to uncover her family's and husband's heritage. Who knew trips to cemeteries could hold such promise? Lots of skeletons of those closets!
Multi-talented, she was artistic in many mediums including oil, acrylic, pastel, charcoal and water color. Some of her numerous works will be on display at her service and available for adoption.
She is preceded in death by her husband: Jim Lee; parents: Hubbard and Ollie Fogarty; son-in-law: Fernando Colonia; and a special K-9 companion: Charlotte.
Survivors include her three daughters: Anita L Colonia of Tallahassee, Julie (Larry) Campbell of Tallahassee, Christia (Donald Brown) Lee of Crawfordville; sister: Beverly Jean Smith of Tallahassee; four grandchildren: Angelique Colonia, Larry Campbell, III, Emory Campbell, and Tally Brown. She will be dearly and acutely missed by her family and friends and those numerous people she served.
