Maria passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s on October 31, 2025 in Victoria, BC. She was born in Belleville, Ontario to George and Charlotte Lampros.
Maria was predeceased by her husband George Lee, her sister Margaret Price, brother William McIntyre, and stepson John Lee. She is lovingly remembered by her partner of ten years, Al Kuhn, stepchildren Basia Lieske (Paul), Robert Lee, and Christopher Lee, granddaughter Jennifer Lee, nieces Carmen McIntyre and Sally Adams and sister-in-law Esperanza McIntyre.
In 1959 Maria completed her Honours degree in English and History at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. She went on to teacher’s college and devoted her life to her passion, teaching. Over the years, she taught in Toronto, Kingston, and Montreal before returning to Belleville, where she taught at Belleville Collegiate Institute until her retirement in 1991. Maria inspired generations of students with her love of literature and learning.
Maria and George married in 1982 and moved to Victoria in 1992, where they embraced retirement together. They found joy in volunteering at Goward House, took part in the Newcomers Club, enjoyed many bridge groups, ballroom dancing, and leisurely walks through Victoria’s lovely parks. Together they travelled extensively to Britain, Greece, Turkey, Poland and spent their winters in Hawaii.
After George’s passing, Maria found happiness again with her partner, Al. The two shared a deep companionship filled with simple joys; trips to the movies, challenging each other with crossword puzzles and seeking out the perfect cup of coffee. They continued to travel together and enjoyed a full life.
Maria will be remembered for her intelligence, her generosity, and her gentle spirit. She taught not only in classrooms but through the way she lived, with grace, humour, and a quiet strength that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
A celebration of Maria’s life will be held Friday January 9th at 2 pm, at Broadview United Church, 3703 St. Aidan’s Street,
Victoria, British Columbia ~ there will be refreshments to follow. If you can please kindly RSVP to: basialieske@gmail.com
Condolences may be offered to the family below
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Lee” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Siobhan
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Beatrice Yeotes Sorry to hear of Maria passing.
Memory’s from many years ago
The Yeotes family Belleville
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Russ and Garbi Leal, Belleville So sorry to hear of Maria’s passing. We had many visits over the years when we visited Victoria, first with George and Maria and then with Maria and Al.
God bless.
Oh, Mrs. Lee! You were the BEST part of my school day. Had it not been for you, I would never have made it through the rest of my schooling. I found in you an adult that was so generous with your compassion and empathy – a first for me – that it changed the trajectory of my life. You made a point of involving yourself in my quiet unhappiness, turning me around, and sending me on an entirely different route.
I tried to locate you years later; I wanted you to see what your influence had brought forth. I wanted, and needed, to thank you.
I carried Love with me. I hope you felt it.
Siobhan