Marilyn Cohen Lee

Marilyn Cohen Lee, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Born on April 17, 1929, at Gartly Ramsay Hospital in Memphis, Marilyn was a lifelong Memphian. She attended Central High School, where she made many cherished friendships that lasted throughout her life.

On June 26, 1949, Marilyn married the love of her life, Harold "Bubba" Lee. Together, they had four children, David, Debbie, Martha, and Leslie, and built a home full of love and memories. Their marriage of more than 50 years was an enduring example of love and commitment.

In 1958 Marilyn and Bubba opened a delicatessen in Memphis called the Bagel. This is where she realized how large a role catering would play in her life. Using her Mother-in- Law's recipes, Marilyn started her catering career doing small events known as "Cake, Punch, Nuts, and Mints" and progressed into larger bar/bat mitzvahs and weddings. When they sold the delicatessen a couple years later, she continued catering for the new owners and eventually went into catering by herself starting "Catering by Marilyn" and growing her abilities taking on larger events such as corporate parties for companies like FedEx.

In 1985, when Baron Hirsch Synagogue opened its new East Memphis Location, Marilyn was hired as the in-house caterer, designing the kitchens, providing equipment, and creating a kosher catering business that would provide food for generations of special occasions. In the early 2000s, Marilyn retired as the in-house caterer, however, would continue to cater long into her late 70s.

In her retirement, Marilyn delighted in countless Mahjong games with dear friends, traveling, and eventually authored a cookbook. The cookbook reflected not only her expertise in catering and hosting memorable gatherings, but also her humor and the many adventures she cherished. More than a guide to recipes, it captured her belief that cooking should never feel like a chore-it should be joyful, creative, and something everyone can do.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter Leslie and son David; as well as her four grandchildren, Stacy, Blake, Aly, and Trey. She was preceded in death by her husband Bubba, and daughters Debbie and Martha, and her brothers Sonny and Mark.

Marilyn will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, and the deep love she had for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, laughter, and resilience that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be 1:30pm Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Baron Hirsch Cemetery.