It is with deep sorrow and heartache that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Laine Lee, of Trumbull, on August 26, 2024, beloved wife of the late William (Bill) Lee Jr., at home after a brief illness at age 86, with her family by her side.
Barbara was born in Middleboro, Mass., on March 22, 1938, daughter of the late Linnea Halunen Laine Salo and Tauno Laine of Wareham, Mass., as well as stepfather Harry V. Salo, also of Wareham.
Barbara graduated from Wareham High School in 1956 where she pursued a study of fundamental business administration and accounting. After high school she worked for the local telephone company in Wareham as a switchboard operator, until she met her sweetheart at the local roller skating rink and then moved to Trumbull to begin a marriage that lasted 65 years, until Bill’s passing earlier this spring.
Barbara was also employed by the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company as a secretary for several years, before stepping down to start her family. She kept the books for Bill’s excavating business until his retirement many years later.
Barbara loved spending time with Bill, family and friends, but she most enjoyed raising her two sons as a full time mom. She also cherished the time she spent babysitting her special friend, Melissa Fuimara, watching her grow up. She also made many lifelong friends of the members and spouses of the Long Hill Volunteer Fire Company in Trumbull.
Barbara also enjoyed flower gardening, teddy bears, sporty cars, including a 1967 Mercury Cougar and a 1984 Chevrolet Camaro, as well as watching the New York Mets play baseball. She also took great pride in helping Bill build their lifelong home in town and tirelessly keeping it up.
Barbara leaves behind two sons, Tracy William Lee of Trumbull, Eric Turney Lee of Trumbull and two grandchildren, Amanda Cathryn Lee and Benjamin Garrett Lee also of Trumbull. She was predeceased by her brother, Allan Laine and sister-in-law, Shirley Laine, as well as her nephew, Michael Laine, all of Wareham, Mass.
She also is survived by several cousins from her Cape Cod family and several brother- and sister-in-laws, as well as many nieces and nephews on Bill’s side.
The Family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Michael Cafaro and all the physicians and staff at Northeast Medical Group for Barbara’s care over the years.
Barbara’s final wish was to simply be remembered fondly by all those who knew her. In honor of that wish there were no services.
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