Lee Bartlett Weed, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, steadfast friend to many and a lifelong and proud ‘Header, passed away at her home on Nov. 15 at 83 years old.
Lee was born in Marblehead on April 7, 1940, to Doris “Snooks” and Charles “Dubby” Bartlett. She attended the Gerry School and Marblehead High School, where she met the love of her life, Barry Francis Weed. They graduated together from MHS in 1958.
Lee graduated from The New England Baptist School of Nursing in 1961 and began work in her hometown at the Mary Alley Hospital. She was truly home, as taking care of fellow ‘Headers was her calling and passion.
Lee and Barry were married at St. Michael’s Church in Marblehead on April 28, 1962, and settled in downtown where Barry and Lee’s father “Dubby” built a house. They welcomed two children into this home, Richard B. Weed, in 1963, and Elisabeth A. Weed in 1967.
Lee worked as a nurse at the Mary Alley Hospital and was later named the general manager of the Mary Alley Walk-in Center. Along the way, she managed to be a wonderful mother as well as attend Salem State at night to earn a bachelor’s in nursing (summa cum laude she was always proud to point out).
Lee took tremendous pride in her hometown of Marblehead, and loved to be in “service to others.” She was a long-serving vestry member, as well as a senior warden at St Michael’s Church. She was also a long-serving member, director and director emeritus of The Marblehead Female Humane Society; and a founding member and officer of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor. She and Barry took special pride in organizing the Holiday Pops for many years.
In Lee and Barry’s early retirement years, they enjoyed traveling to Florida in the winter and summer boating on the SeaWeed, which Lee insisted on naming. They loved spoiling their four grandchildren with dinners out, trips to Bonkers, ice cream and Chinese food. They were also frequent fliers at The Boston Yacht Club where they had their own special table.
Lee was predeceased by her daughter Elisabeth Prescott and her soulmate Barry F. Weed. She is survived by her son Rick Weed and adored daughter-in-law Adrienne Sweetser, “second daughter” Diane Treadwell, sister Susan Byors, sister-in-law Patricia Weed, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
A memorial service will be held at St, Michael’s Church on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the Masonic Lodge. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Marblehead Female Humane Society would be appreciated.
I am saddened to read about the death of Lee Bartlett Weed, yet another friend, fellow Boston Yacht Club member and true “Marbleheader!” Lee and Barry were long time friends that lived their lives, committed to family, friends and community. I was privileged to be one of their friends and I want her family to know that I care…she was quite a gal!!