Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1929
DIED
2021
Lee Kobayashi Obituary
1929-2021
On July 10, Lee Mary Kobayashi passed away peacefully in her sleep with loved ones nearby. She was 91. Lee Mary lived an enviable life. She had an intellectual curiosity, a love of reading, music, art, and most importantly, people. She was the best mother anyone could hope for. Because of her warmth, thoughtfulness, and generosity, she became a mother figure for many people. Lee Mary was born the only child to Lois Williams Parsons in Beaumont at the hospital Hotel Dieu on Oct. 5, 1929. She was brought up with her two very dear cousins, David Bailey and Melvin Bailey. They were like brothers to her remaining close and telling family stories their whole lives.
Lee Mary's greatest gift was making people she had just met feel special, loved, safe and important. She gained many surrogate children by accepting and embracing each person's uniqueness.
Lee Mary had an insatiable thirst for learning, reading and understanding everything. She attended Rice University and earned her Master's in Library Science and her PhD (ABD) in Children's Literature. She worked as a school teacher, medical research librarian and school librarian sharing her love of learning with everyone she met. Working at the Texas Medical Center as a Medical Librarian inspired her to donate her body to research so she could continue helping people learn even after her life here ended.
Lee Mary was married in 1951 to her soul mate, Wally Lovejoy. After his unexpected passing in 1970, she married Riki Kobayashi, the brother of her life long friend, Mitsu Kobayashi. Riki predeceased her in 2013.
Lee Mary is survived by her daughters Susan Lovejoy and Anne Lovejoy (Cindy Altomari) , stepsons, Brock Kobayashi (Denise Hanks) and Alec Kobayashi ( Sandra Kobayashi), grandchildren Spenser Marley, Riki Kobayashi, Parker Marley and Antonio Wheeler, cousin Melvin Bailey and his wife, Linda, many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends both life long and recent and her grand dog Rosie.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Bayou Manor for the care and concern they showed for Mom. Details for a Celebration of Life will be published at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to a local food pantry, animal shelter, Rice University, or other charity is greatly appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lee Kobayashi
Mary Ann Marucci
July 20, 2021
I had the opportunity to meet Lee to thank her for her generous support for Houston Public Media. She was such a sweet, smart, caring, and open individual, I was lucky to have had the chance to meet her. My deepest condolences on her passing.
Alice Conlon
July 19, 2021
I met Lee in 1986 in a children's literature class at UH. We spent many hours working on school projects and book presentations, always talking, talking, talking about books and later, about grandchildren. She was wise, well-read, generous, and fun!
Nancy
July 19, 2021
Milo and I are sorry you lost such a remarkable woman. We will always remember how gracious and warm she was each time we saw her. Heartfelt sympathies to your entire family. Nancy & Milo
June Bourgeois
July 19, 2021
Lee Mary went to Rice U. Suzy told me she was in my father's french class in the 30's I believe. Suzy, I bet she was the best of the class. You have been the best of daughters!
Barbara Windish
July 19, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I remember Mrs. Kobayashi from an event at Rice University and our meeting at dinner. I recall I had made an owl pin cushion for Mrs. Leland and Mrs. Kobayashi really liked it and I made her one and sent it to her. She sent a beautiful thank you note. I remember her as being a kind soul and very gracious lady. Condolences to all her family. May your precious memories of her life guide you through your time of sorrow. Be glad that you were part of her story.
Nancy Grace
July 19, 2021
My mom, Mary Sue Fox Grace, and Mary Kay were all very good friends. I will always remember Lee Mary as kind and thoughtful, very intelligent, and loved by so many! I miss her already, but I know that she is in a much better place and that we will see her again there!! With Heartfelt Sympathy, Nancy Grace
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Lee Kobayashi's name
Memorial Events
for Lee Kobayashi
How to support Lee's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lee Kobayashi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
