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Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home

61 Myrtle St

Worcester, Massachusetts

Leatrice Dratfield Obituary

Lee was born in Brooklyn and remained a true New Yorker throughout her life. She loved the life of the city, its people, food and neighborhoods. Although illness brought her to Worcester to be near her daughter, Stacy Amaral, she still longed for Broadway.

Lee was a performer from an early age. She sang on the radio show "The Children's Hour" and made her way to Hollywood. The War sent her back to Brooklyn. She never stopped performing, in numerous languages and venues and for all kinds of occasions. Her music brought joy to many.

Along with Stacy, Leachy as she was known to her family, leaves two other children: Elizabeth Mitchell and her husband Larry, of Minneapolis, Minnesota and James Dratfield and his wife Chiara Indiani of Carmel, New York; grandchildren: Aaron Amaral, Maria Eugenia Godoy and her husband Carlos Godoy, Molly Mitchell and Finn Dratfield; two great-grandchildren: Soledad and Carlos Leo Godoy; and many nieces and nephews. Among these is Jonathan Kates of Worcester. She also leaves sisters-in-law, cousins and many friends.

Though Lee missed The City, she liked Worcester in general and Elm Park in particular. She found a place for herself at the Unitarian Church, especially the Meditation Group and at the Saori Weaving Studio. She also enjoyed her time at the Jewish Community Center's gym. She was a regular at the movies and the library of which she was a great fan.

Lee's family would like to express their deep and wide gratitude to the staff at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, to everyone there but especially those in the South Wing, the Rehabilitation Department and Hospice Care. Their caring and devotion made the last years of Lee's life comfortable and sweet.

A family gathering will be held in the near future in New York according to Lee's wishes. Arrangements in the care of CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. To place an on-line condolence, please visit.

www.callahanfay.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette on May 30, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

David Spanagel

June 5, 2010

Unfortunately, I was only able to know Lee during her final few years; she and I became members at First Unitarian Church the very same year. Despite her chronic illness, Lee's incredible vivacity always shone through, and on occasion she showed us glimpses of the star power and stage charisma she could extract from her diminutive frame. I'll never forget her riveting performances of Bertolt Brecht songs during the one-woman show fundraiser Lee put on to support the church Youth Group's Mississippi Katrina relief trip - and I'll always cherish the generous words of encouragement she shared with us about our son's own future in the theater world.

Linda Wyatt

June 1, 2010

My daughter, Alana, and I were inspired by Lee's spirit to persevere and seek new adventure. I always saw her soul as her "pixie-like" young, dancing, self. God bless her. We have thought of her consistently in this past year.

Renee DesRosiers

June 1, 2010

Lee was one heck of a together woman. She kept her power right to the end. Even though her body was so weak, her mind was totally wonderful and present. I'm so glad I got to see her again at the sangha which she requested come to her at Notre Dame.

Sophie Rapaport

May 31, 2010

Lea's optimism, determination and love of life were an inspiration and a source of strength for me. I will miss her.

Sandra Alafberg

May 30, 2010

Stacy your in my prayers, thank you for introducing your mom to me. I will always remember her visiting our church for a afternoon concert, our music director enjoy talking with her that day sharing the love for music and people. Don't forget the letter the Governor read on national television, your mom was a true star, may she rest in peace.

noreen carreau

May 30, 2010

Lea made a difference; her strength, enthusiasm, and determination made it not only a joy but a lesson for me in how to live your life. She never gave up,and when we would accomplish one goal she always had another one ready.On the day that she was able to walk with her walker and new shoes we both shared tears of joy. That moment re-confirmed to me why I do what I do, my purpose in life. Thank-you Lea.

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Callahan Fay Caswell Funeral Home

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