Shirley M. Lee

Shirley Mae Lee, 82, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Springbrook Village in La Crescent, MN with her daughter by her side.

She was born on August 24, 1940, in La Crosse, WI to Oscar and Helen (Brush) Nordstrom, the oldest of 9 children.  Being a farm family, they lived/worked on many farms in the area during her early years.  In her teen years, she lived with her grandmother in La Crosse.  She graduated from Central High School in 1958 and then married Allen Lee the same year on December 20 when she was 18.  Allen was in the military at that time, so she followed him to Nuremberg, Germany, where their only child, Sandra, was born shortly thereafter.  Allen’s career then led them to Georgia for a short stay, and following, they moved back to La Crosse in 1962.  They soon settled in a home on French Island for many years before divorcing.  She began her working career as a seamstress, while the majority was spent in the Cafeteria at Gundersen-Lutheran, often at the cash register greeting customers with her welcoming-smile.   After retiring, she bought the home of her dreams and moved to La Crescent, MN to be close to her daughter and 2 Granddaughters.  She fully enjoyed this time in her life until health issues got in her way.  For the past 2 years, she has lived at Springbrook Village in La Crescent where she has been tenderly cared for by the wonderful care staff.

She is survived by her daughter and son-In-law, Sandi (Lee) and Bill Fuchs; granddaughters, Amanda (Jake Sweeney) and Sabrina (Zach) Peterson; ex-husband and friend Allen Lee; brothers, Robert (Gloria), David (Cyndy) Nordstrom and Rick La Seure.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jerry, Dick, Ron, Doug, and baby sister Sharon.

Mom - you were a very special lady, not only to my family, but many others as well.  You were by my side my entire life, and I will miss you deeply and forever.  The last few years have not been easy for you, having to give up activities you loved (sewing/laughing with your buddies, gambling on stocks, girl-trips), but you never complained, preferring to remain a shining light for us all.  Your Granddaughters love you with all their hearts.  You were their biggest fan as they explored life and I will always be grateful and cherish your influence that made them who they are.  I see you in them everyday.

You were a talented artist who could make anything from a few pieces of fabric and a sewing machine.  Oh my…the fabulous Halloween costumes you made for your Granddaughters…they will surely be worn again by their children.  All of the beautiful creations you left us with will provide comfort for us now.  You will be missed and remembered by so many.

In honoring Shirley’s wishes, a private Family service was held. There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 30 ^th at the La Crescent Area Event Center (595 Veterans Pkwy, La Crescent) from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 p.m.