Lee grew up with her brother Jim in Los Angeles, CA. As kids, the pair of them tap danced Vaudeville together as  part of the Meglan Kiddies in the ’40s. Lee and Jim remained close all of their lives; both ending up together in Friday Harbor.

Lee married Tal Sturdivant in 1952 and raised two kids in the beach and surf culture of So-Cal. While studying journalism, Lee wrote for local papers and saw opportunities for new adventures. She started a successful beachwear manufacturing company and learned to sail in her free time.

The family purchased a sail boat to explore the South Pacific. In their many adventures which Lee faithfully chronicled for San Diego papers, they met Tim and Kathy Ballard of San Juan Island. In 1979, Lee and Tal moved sight-unseen to Friday Harbor. They fell in love with the island and the people they met.

Lee’s life was an adventure – whether sailing the seas, designing dresses for Saks Fifth Avenue, propagating herbs, or starting a non-profit housing group on the island. She so loved this community and all who live here, She leaves a big hole in this lovely rock.

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