Noreen Mary Lee

Noreen Mary Lee (nee Martini)

February 12, 1939 – February 28, 2025 (86 years old)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Noreen Mary Lee. Our thoughts are filled with the love we shared, and we take comfort in knowing that she is now resting peacefully in the loving arms of God. 

Noreen will be dearly missed by Bruce, her loving husband of over 64 years, and her children Peter (Silke), Susan (Umberto), and David (Leah Ann). Noreen was adored by her seven grandchildren Carson (Aletheia), Olivia (Mario), Graeme (Sabrina), Monika (Massimo), Julia (Trevaughan), Jameson, and Elisabeth and they will mourn the loss of their cherished Grandma. She is predeceased by her parents Irma and Peter Martini, her brother Santo Martini (Ann), and is survived by her sister Ines Chard (late Wilfred) who provided kind support for Noreen and our family during her illness.

Family was an absolute priority for Noreen throughout her life. Continuously loving, supporting, and caring for her family was always a tireless pursuit for Noreen, and she was blessed with a family who always appreciated and reciprocated her affection. She was a loving mother and treasured the countless hours that she spent with her grandchildren. Noreen was a wonderful grandmother; she was a consummate caregiver to her grandchildren and incredibly proud of each of them. Her passion for caring extended to our family’s four-legged “furbabies”; over the years, each and every one of them always got excited while visiting Grandma’s house.

Born in Drumheller, Alberta on February 12, 1939, Noreen moved to Weston, Ontario with her family where she grew up and thrived. She graduated at the top of her class at both Weston Collegiate Institute and St. Michael’s College (University of Toronto). Noreen went on to teach science and physical education at Stouffville District Secondary School until her son Peter was born in 1962.

Noreen was always devoted to the well-being and education of children, and after achieving a master’s degree in educational psychology, she joined the Psychology Department of the York Catholic District School Board. She was part of a dedicated team of practitioners focused on assessing student learning needs and supporting students with mental health issues.

For 33 years, Noreen was a volunteer on the Board of Directors of The York Centre for Children, Youth & Families (now known as The York Hill Centre for Children, Youth & Families), and served tirelessly as the Board Chair many of these years.

A devoted follower of Christ, Noreen lived with faith, hope and love. Her earthly journey is complete, and she can now rest in the house of the Lord forever. Noreen’s passing brings sadness to her family and friends, but memories of her kind and caring ways will ensure that she remains in our hearts forever.

Our sincere thanks go out to the healthcare personnel at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, Villa da Vinci Retirement Living, and Noreen’s primary physician Dr. Maria Chow for the excellent care she received. We are grateful to the team at Hospice Vaughan for ensuring her final days were comfortable, and her passing was dignified and peaceful. We are deeply appreciative of the compassionate and unwavering service provided by Noreen’s Personal Support Worker Eunice Avuyi.

In lieu of flowers, Noreen’s family would appreciate donations made in her memory to one of the following charitable organizations: 

Silent Children’s Mission 

 click here to donate to Silent Children's Mission 

York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families 

 click here to donate to York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families