JERRI LEE

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JERRI LEE June 28, 1930 February 16, 2005 Jerrine Emma Lee, dearly loved wife of 45 years to Wally, mother of Jennifer (Kim) and Andrea, Nana of Tessa, 3, and Amber, 1, sister of Ron Walmsley (Anita) and sister-in-law Iris Lee. Jerri was born in Winnipeg to James and Victoria (nee Dalman) Walmsley. Her mother was of Icelandic heritage, of which Jerri was always proud. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Watrous, SK, where she enjoyed living in the Manitou Hotel, owned by her father. Eventually, the family returned to Manitoba. After graduation from Winnipeg's Daniel Macintyre High School, Jerri went on to enjoy acting and working for the Manitoba Theatre Centre. Her first job, the beginning of her journalism career, was at the Shaunavon Standard in southwestern Saskatchewan. Returning to Winnipeg, she worked as a reporter for the Free Press, and met and married Wally. They moved to Montreal, where she had a weekly radio program on home design. Next, they spent several years in New Delhi, where Wally was S.E. Asia representative for the National Film Board. Daughter Jennifer was born there, and Jerri's Letters from India delighted CBC radio listeners back home. The NFB took them back to Montreal, where Andrea was born, and Jerri was Women's Editor for the Gazette. Then they moved to Vancouver, Montreal again, and finally to Victoria, where they have lived since 1976. Here Jerri worked for the provincial government, UBC, and for the University of Victoria, where she earned her BA in 1981, and her MA in English in 1990. Jerri fulfilled her life's many roles very capably and with exceptional grace: wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, hostess, journalist, researcher, public relations professional, student, teacher, photographer, gardener, volunteer, arts supporter, environmentalist, and principled champion of worthwhile causes. Jerri set out on her final journey comforted by her loving husband and daughters. She will be sadly missed by her family and many friends. Thanks to Dr. Linda Reid for her outstanding support and to Hospice staff and volunteers. A family tea was held to celebrate Jerri's life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sierra Legal Defence Fund of Canada, 214-131 Water St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 4M3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2005