Phyllis Louise Briggs Lee died peacefully at the age of 95 on the morning of 6/2/2021 of congestive heart failure. The last three days of her beautiful life were spent surrounded by her children Marsha Lee, Jacqueline Baker, and Gary Lee.

Consistent with her entire life the last three days of her life were powerful and magical. She garnered the strength to open her eyes, smile, laugh, hug and kiss leaving her children with the most beautiful memories of time spent with her.

Phyllis was born in Miami, Fla. but raised in the small southeastern town of Ottumwa, Iowa (fictitious midwestern home of Radar O'Reilly of MASH). Phyllis was reared in the tradition of those Midwest values and in the spirit of The Greatest Generation . She exemplified those values. She lived a life grounded in honesty, hard work, a can-do attitude, and always had a smile on her face. Her children and all that knew her Never heard a disparaging word from her or about her. A truly remarkable woman who never voiced a complaint about anything and I mean Never. She was a Working Mother in an era when that was considered not advisable. Her parents were of the same constitution. She was always positive. She was the youngest of three older siblings (Bob Briggs deceased, Doris deceased, and Ruth - just turned 100).

As a child she loved the outdoors and worked summers as a lifeguard. During her High School years she would often be found working after school in her father's store serving up ice cream. After high school graduation she moved to Washington D. C. to join her two older sisters working in the FBI (later to attend college after the children were raised). It was here one summer weekend when she met her future husband Ernie Lee at Rehoboth Beach, Maryland.

They ultimately settled in Lima, Pennsylvania and lived in Riddlewood where she raised her three children. Phyllis - contrary to popular tradition in the fifties/sixties - felt she could help support her family financially and provide for greater opportunities by working as a secretary for 27 years for the Sun Oil Company. She was actually invited and participated in a panel discussion in New York City with Reverend Billy Graham, Bennet Cerf from "What's My Line" and a PhD Psychologist on the merits of being a working mom. This panel discussion on the working mother was published in Look Magazine. Her children often considered submitting a follow up report/article years later to validate that their mother was correct - you can still be a great Mom and hold down a job. Something that is very common in today's world. The oldest daughter Marsha continues to practice medicine as a General Internist at the  VA in Memphis, Tennessee,  Jacque Baker a College Hall of Fame athlete and retired Health Science teacher(Rose Tree Media) and Gary Lee a practicing Internist  at the Mayo Clinic. Her three children firmly believe it was their Mom's hard work, dedication, and commitment to them that allowed them the greatest opportunities in life. One of Phyllis's greatest joys was watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. Her  personal passions included playing bridge, golf (birdied number 17 the Island green at TPC Saw Grass at age 68), volunteering, participating in a public speaking forum, and spending time at the shore(NJ) and Beach(Fla).She seemed to be the one always bringing home the most trophies.

She was challenged the last twelve years of her life dealing with a stroke that significantly impacted her independence. Despite this she always maintained her lifelong positive attitude dealing with those challenges. Everyone that ever met Phyllis consistently had the same positive loving comments... what a kind compassionate and thoughtful person. As you can see from the story of Phyllis' life, she was not one to seek awards but to bring joy and love to other's lives. She would have never wanted these accolades. She led by example not by words. As you can tell this is not your average obituary because Phyllis Lee was not your average person.

She is survived by:

Her 100 year old sister Ruth Rumpler, children- Marsha Lee (Callow)M.D.( George ), Jacque Baker(John), Gary Lee, M.D.(Toni),

Grandchildren:  Julie Capaldi(John), Holly Flaxbeard (Jason) John Baker (Meagan), Chris Baker(Ciara), Zach Lee(Julie),  Sydney Lee and Will Callow.

Great grandchildren- Jack, Caroline and Luke Capaldi, Nash, Kellen,  Poppy Baker, Charlie and James Flaxbeard, Claire and Owen Baker, and Locke and Lucy Lee.

Services will be private

Arrangements provided by Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home  15 E. 4th Street  Media, PA 19063

www.haganfuneralhome.com