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LEE SPENCE Obituary

LEE SWANDER SPENCE (FORMERLY LEE PAPPAS), of Chagrin Falls died Aug. 16, 2009 at age of 57. She worked as an independent travel consultant and created many boutique travel companies. Lee married Chris Taki Pappas on June 22, 1974. She was a three-time cancer survivor and the author of a yet unpublished memoir and inspirational guide for those living with cancer tentatively titled "Dying to Live." Throughout her life, Lee inspired many with her entrepreneurial spirit, eternally optimistic attitude and promotion of various cancer research charities. Lee was predeceased by her parents, Floranell Hampton and Richard Loughry; adoptive father, Robert Fulton Swander; sister, Faye Shaffer and husband, Chris Taki Pappas. She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Lee Pappas; son, Thomas Taki Spence; sister, Judith Giltz; brother, Hampton Loughry; brother, William Faber; stepson, Christopher Spence; granddaughter, Linden Spence; nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements are being handled by STROUD-LAWRENCE FUNERAL HOME, CHAGRIN FALLS. Memorial service and reception will be held at The Federated Church, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, 44022 on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009, at 1 p.m.

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

Published by Cleveland.com on Aug. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Jan Keyes

August 24, 2009

Part of one’s legacy is the way we deal with adversity, especially serious health problems. Lee certainly demonstrated incredible courage, tenacity, outlook, and dignity as she faced each challenge. To my cousins, Ham and Judy, my deepest sympathies. To Lee’s children, I hope you will take comfort in knowing that she thought the world of you and was so very proud of you. There is nothing I can say that will ease the pain for you, but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

With affection and sadness,

Jan Loughry Keyes

Jean Manlove

August 22, 2009

Dear Judy,
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy is with you, Kim and Tommy. Please
remind them who I am as it has been a
long time since I have had contact with
them.
Please take comfort in the fact that Lee fought a valiant fight for many, many years and that she no longer suffers. Her positive attitude was unsurpassed.
Sincerely,
Jean Manlove

Krissa Spence

August 21, 2009

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help defray the costs of Lee's funeral expenses. Donations to Kim Pappas or Tommy Spence will be accepted at the memorial service on August 25th at The Federated Church, Chagrin Falls.

Liz Schulte

August 21, 2009

Lee was a fantastic inspiration and source of courage and comfort to cancer survivors. As an advocate, she traveled to Washington DC on numerous occasions to share her story and encourage legislators to fund cancer research and provide guaranteed access to affordable health care for all.

Lee served on the Board of Trustees for Northern Ohio Breast Cancer Coalition Fund and her fellow members are deeply saddened at her passing. We will miss her joyful exuberance and optimism. We express our deepest condolences to her family and assure them she will not be forgotten. Her memory will continue to inspire other survivors to make a difference in the world and help eradicate breast cancer.

Arline Brown

August 20, 2009

Kim and Tommy,
You were so dearly loved and cherished by Lee and Chris.

Always know that and always be warmed and guided by their love.

Arline

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