BALLANTYNE, Lee Age 72, died on Saturday, May 23, 2020 from complications of COVID-19 surrounded by loving and brave health care professionals. Lee was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on March 22, 1948 and was the daughter of James and Sally Ballantyne. She is survived by three siblings, Meg Ballantyne and her niece Laura of Denver, CO, Richard Ballantyne of Atlanta, GA, James Ballantyne of Columbus, OH. Predeceased by her husband, Paul Donham. Lee graduated from Ohio University in 1970. Following college she spent time in England and traveling Europe teaching and learning about culinary arts. Following her time in Europe she moved to the Boston area and began teaching Home Economics to high school students. She was always very active in the Junior League of Boston and took special interest in the garden club. Lee was an avid and fantastic baker and cake decorator; she also had quite the penchant for chocolate herself. She was elegant, caring, feisty, and was always able to see the joy in life even during or through tough times. She had a wonderful sense of humor and it was always an adventure sharing fun moments with her. Lee courageously battled through a myriad of health issues stemming from a traumatic brain injury thirteen years ago. Although this was a life-changing event, she did not let her health crisis define her, it was only a chapter of her life. Lee spent her last years at Newbridge on the Charles, where she developed bonds that only rivaled family. Private Funeral Services will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, Wellesley on Saturday, May 30. Donations may be made in Lee's memory to Newbridge on the Charles, 7000 Great Meadow Rd., Dedham, MA 02026. Online guestbook at gfdoherty.com George F. Doherty & Sons Wellesley 781-235-4100

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Published by Boston Globe from May 27 to May 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for LEE BALLANTYNE

10 Entries

John E Ballantyne

May 21, 2021

It is hard to believe it has been a year since Lee passed. She was a grand person.

Allen Bankson

June 20, 2020

All very true. She was a most gracious person.

Mary O'Connor

June 12, 2020

Deepest condolences to Lee's family. I was one of Lee's caregivers for a short time several years ago and accompanied her to medical appointments. She was always so gracious and appreciative.

Claudia Harrod

May 29, 2020

I met Lee at the beginning of our freshman year at Ohio University. She and I, along with Joanne Voinovich, spent many nights "studying" in the dorm lounge. Most mornings the cleaning crew would wake us up. We traveled to Europe, along with her high school friend, Sandy for 10 weeks in 1969. Three girls, Eurail passes, a copy of Europe on Five Dollars and Travelers' Checks - no credit cards in those days. Such a fun and such great memories. Lee made sure we sampled the best cuisine Europe had to offer, including chocolates and wine. I visited her often in Boston, and since that first visit 50 years ago, it is still my favorite city. She was such a great hostess and tour guide. She taught my daughter how to eat her first lobster and how to get every last morsel of meat. About four years ago, Joanne and I visited her in Boston. Typical of Lee, she arranged to have a wonderful "Welcome to Boston" cake waiting for us. We spend a long afternoon catching up and sharing memories. Even though we didn't see other in recent years, I will always cherish our friendship and I have such fond memories of the times we shared. I always thought she was Martha before there was a Martha. Rest In Peace, my dear friend, Rest In Peace.

May 29, 2020

My friendship with Lee began at the Junior League of Boston and we were part of a smaller group of women who bonded through that common thread. Always smiling, fun to have in the mix and so thoughtful and kind...our ways and lives parted, but I just learned of her death and know she made a difference in the lives of many in wonderful gestures and appreciation of others who helped her along the way.....much sympathy to her family and close friends....

Ginny Atwood
East Longmeadow MA

May 28, 2020

My condolences to the Ballantyne family,

I got to know Lee as a volunteer visitor at Newbridge. I visited her weekly for the past 4 years. She told me many stories of her life which was very full prior to her injury 13 years ago. But even faced with her situation, she made the most of it and was so well liked at Newbridge. Residents were always stopping to say hello when I walked her around.

I am sorry that the virus prevents us from attending her funeral and to celebrate her life.
Carol Whitehorn
Newton, MA

May 28, 2020

My Condolences To The Family;
I'm sorry for your great loss. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this difficult time.

Gina Melton

May 28, 2020

I was so sad to read of Lee's passing. My mother has been at Newbridge for over three years and I frequently volunteered with Lee at many social activities. She was lovely, always appreciative of the smallest gesture of kindness, of which she received much. I will remember her fondly for her love of her artwork, mink jacket, and peanut M&M's!
With love, Theresa Fulchino's daughter Gina

John Ballantyne

May 27, 2020

My deepest and most sincere condolences. Lee was my cousin who I became very close with during my time working in Boston with Chamber Theater Productions. I didn't know Boston and Lee showed me the town and the entire area every weekend. Then she would cook dinner or make sure we went to a great restaurant either in Boston or somewhere in the area. She made me feel at home in what was a strange town when I first arrived. She was a classy lady who will be missed by us all.

Doug McLane

May 27, 2020

Mom (Aunt Polly to Lee) was especially fond of Lee and she tried hard to keep us all in contact.

One memory I have of Lee is her putting on makeup at the Fish Camp at Newfound. Having three brothers, we didn't see much of this in our house.

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