Marilynn Watt Lee and Sheldon Beaudry Lee, Jr.
The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) is pleased to announce a generous gift of $50,000 from former residents and Glenaire Society members, Sheldon and Marilynn Lee. Their gift was earmarked for Glenaire's Micou Browne Endowment, which provides resident financial assistance. Their son, Brian Lee stated, "This (gift) represents their ongoing legacy based on the importance your organization had in their life."
Sheldon and Marilynn were born seven months apart, May 21, 1925 and December 18, 1925, respectively. Sheldon was born in St. Clair, Michigan and Marilynn was born in Norwood Park, Illinois, both moving with their families to St. Joseph, Michigan in their formative years. The couple met at St. Joseph High School and were high school sweethearts.
After graduation Sheldon attended Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) leaving at the age of 18 to volunteer for the U.S. Army. Earning a rank of Second Lieutenant, he was honorably discharged in 1946 following his service to the Occupation Force in Japan after World War II. Meanwhile, Marilynn attended the University of Michigan School of Music earning a bachelor's degree in 1947. The couple wed on August 28, 1948 and were married for 70 years.
In 1949, the couple moved to Lansing Michigan, so Sheldon could finish his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering at Michigan State College. During that time, Marilynn taught music at the Junior High School level.
Sheldon's career led them to Pennsylvania where their children, Brian, Lisbeth and Jonathan were born. Additionally, Sheldon served as First Lieutenant in the Army Reserves. In 1960, the family returned to St. Joseph and Sheldon began his 28-year management career at Whirlpool Corporation.
Marilynn was passionate about music. Professionally, she was a highly respected voice and piano teacher for 36 years. She was also a featured soprano soloist for many chorus groups, including the choir at First Congregational Church, where the couple actively attended. There, Marilynn was the director of the youth choir for 10 years, and Sheldon, a deacon and a baritone in the choir.
After retirement, Sheldon and Marilynn enjoyed traveling both within the United States and exploring the globe. Favorite destinations were: China, Russia, England, Australia and New Zealand.
Family was especially important. Summer vacations, holidays and milestone anniversaries were spent with great pleasure with children and grandchildren.
The couple moved to Glenaire in 2009. In their nearly 10 years at Glenaire, they were very involved members of the community, and they were particularly engaged members of the Glenaire choir.
"We are deeply grateful for this gift which will do so much for residents in need of financial assistance for many years to come. Their generosity is proof of the very special love that Mr. and Mrs. Lee had for Glenaire," shares Paul Gregg, Executive Director of Glenaire.
Have You Thought About Creating Your Personal Legacy at Glenaire?
Current and future gifts to The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) can be earmarked to support Glenaire in a way that reflects your personal philanthropic goals and priorities. If you would like to discuss the possibility of including The Presbyterian Homes Foundation, Inc. (dba Brightspire Foundation) and Glenaire in your planning, please contact Marisa Ray at (336) 886-6553, Ext. 5118 or mray@brightspire.org. You may also wish to visit presbyhomesinc.mylegacygift.org for additional information and to view stories that highlight recent estate gifts received by the Foundation. Those who have made provisions to include the Foundation and Glenaire in their estate plans qualify for membership to the Glenaire Society.