Obituary of Marie G. Lees

Marie G. Lees Marie G. Lees of Boynton Beach, Florida and formerly of Millbrook and Poughkeepsie, died Tuesday, April 1, 2008 in Florida. She was 86. Daughter of the late John and Rose Miceli, she was born in 1922 in Brooklyn. While in Brooklyn, she developed a passion for playing the piano that lasted until the day she died. All she had to do was see a piano and the entertainment began. One of her more talked about memories was seeing her name on the marquis of the Holiday Inn advertising her time playing in the lounge. Eventually she made a CD of her music which is enjoyed by many. In 1944, Marie met and married Raymond Lees. Ray preceded her in death in 1989. Surviving her are her four children, Susan Ryerson and her husband, Bob of Amarillo, Texas; twins, Joanne Kievit and Diane Paolucci of Boynton Beach, Florida and a son, John Peter Lees and his wife, Kathy of Wappingers Falls; her beloved brother, Peter Miceli and his wife, Ann of Hopewell Junction; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a younger brother, Joseph. All of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren have fond memories of Nana and her dinky-dinky-do's. The entire family also has memories of her poems. At any life event, graduation, marriage, significant birthday, Marie would write a poem for and about that person. It was always very personal and when read; always had a mixture of laughter and tears. Everyone will miss Nana's poems. Marie was like many New Yorkers, she stated going to Boynton Beach for the winter and eventually made it her home. She lived in Briny Breezes where she became a loved and respected member of the community. She was on the shuffleboard team, did water aerobics, played bingo and participated in numerous activities. Of course she was the resident piano player. She will also be remembered each time the Briny Anthem is sung, as she wrote the song. A memorial will be held for Marie in Briny Breezes in April. A Memorial Mass will be offered at 12 noon on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at St. Mary's Church, Clinton Street, Wappingers Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of Marie's favorite activities at Briny Breezes. A check can be sent to Briny Breezes Boating and Fishing Club, Briny Breezes Swim Club, Briny Breezes Chimes or Briny Breezes Curtain Raisers all at 5000 North Ocean Blvd., Briny Breezes, FL 33435. Please note the donation is in memory of Marie Lees. Local arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, Wappingers Falls. To send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.