NAOMI JEAN LEE

(nee Garton) Naomi was born in Sarnia, Ontario, on March 13, 1947, and passed away at the Humber River Hospital in Toronto on February 4, 2025, in her 78th year. She was predeceased by her husband, John Davidson Lee ("Dave"), who died on December 12, 2021. They had been married for 52 years. Naomi is survived by her sister, Nola Garton; her niece, Courtney, Courtney's husband, Rafal; and her three grandnephews, Jack, Evan and Hugo. Naomi is also survived by her and Dave's two remarkable and dearly loved parrots, Niki and Munchkin, both of whom are in their thirties and are now well-settled and thriving at the Parrot Partners' bird sanctuary in Carlton Place (Ottawa). Naomi was a person of prodigious intellect and who maintained a keen interest throughout her life in both science and the arts. After graduating from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science (Honours Chemistry) degree, she went on to obtain a Master of Arts (Sociology) degree from Carlton University. She and Dave spent their working lives in Ottawa. Naomi worked for the federal government for over 25 years. She was initially employed by Statistics Canada, and later by the Department of Justice. Following their respective retirements, she and Dave settled in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where the longer growing season allowed them to fully enjoy their beautiful garden, which was designed by Dave. They also had time to enjoy the theatre – Shaw, Stratford, the Grand in London and elsewhere. After Dave's passing, and with her own health failing, Naomi moved to the Seniors' Residence at Parkland on Eglinton West in Toronto. Naomi was a beautiful figure skater in her youth. She had a great love of nature and all creatures great and small. Any wildlife that happened to wander onto her property was observed and appreciated, including chipmunks, rabbits, skunks, and mice. Naomi had a particular empathy for the plight of mice – Robert Burns' poem, "To a Mouse," was one of her favourites. Naomi's love of music sustained her as her health declined. Listening to classical music eased her pain. She also found great comfort in reading and reciting poetry – she had memorized reams of poetry over the years. One of her favourite poets was Emily Dickinson. Naomi had marked and no doubt agreed with the following passage from one of Dickinson's poems: There is no Frigate like a Book To Take us Lands away Nor any Coursers like a Page Of prancing Poetry. Although physically weak, Naomi remained strong intellectually and managed to maintain her witty and dry sense of humour until the end. She will be greatly missed. The family gives special thanks to the staff at the Humber River Hospital for the kindness and compassion they gave to Naomi. Thanks are also given to the Parkland staff who cared for Naomi after she moved to Toronto. Cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends at Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor Street West, Toronto, on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. For those who wish to do so, donations may be made to the non-profit bird sanctuary, Parrot Partners Canada, 25 Industrial Avenue, Carlton Place, Ontario K7C 3V7, www.parrotpartners.org. Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca.