Helen Wirt Lee

Lee, Helen Wirt Bay City, Michigan Helen Wirt Lee passed away peacefully on March 18, 2016, with loving husband, Robert, by her side. Helen was born on July 28, 1944, to parents Alice and Jack Wirt, who preceded her in death. Helen earned her teaching degree from The University of Michigan, where she met her husband, Bob. She moved back to Bay City in 1974 to raise her family. Her presence enriched the community, as she was dedicated to making it a better place through her numerous and tireless philanthropic initiatives. Helen's love of walking made her a well-known figure around town. She loved to walk all over Bay City, and talk to everyone that she met along the way. In recent years, her declining health relegated her to walking indoors, and she always enjoyed the time that she spent with everyone that she encountered in the aisles at Kroger's and Meijer's. Helen was passionate about all things culinary, as well as devoted to serving the well-being of her beloved community. This led her to found "Lydia's Tearoom" at the charitable organization "Created for Caring." Through her work at "Lydia's", she was able to regularly donate food, as well as prepare her artful and delicious fare for guests, all the while raising money for a charity that benefited her community. President George H.W. Bush presented Helen with the "1,000 Points of Light" award in recognition of her inspirational work at "Created for Caring." Helen's generosity was legendary, and she had a special place in her heart for people whose lives were negatively impacted by situations beyond their control. She helped countless people quietly, and in any way that she could. Helen was also a supporter of "Coats for Kids," and she would purchase and store coats at her house year round for the purpose of donating them to the annual coat drives. Helen was unstoppable when it came to helping people in need, and she always gave generously of herself to charities that she cared deeply about; including The United Way, The Alice and Jack Wirt Library, and the Wirt Bay Area Women's Center; the Literacy Council, Hidden Harvest; the Child Abuse & Neglect council, and Temple Israel, to mention a few. Helen also had a special place in her heart for the Bay Area Community Foundation where she funded tuition and books for needy students. Helen was a beacon of light, and her memory will continue to illuminate the lives of all who loved her. Helen is survived by her husband, Dr. Robert Lee; daughter, Michelle (Douglas) Wexler, son Joshua (Dr. Irene Sheynman) Lee; grandchildren, Natalie and Zachary Wexler; brothers Steve and Douglas Wirt; brother-in law, Dr. Lawrence Lee; sisters-in-law Dena Wirt, Victoria Wirt, and Sylvia Lee; nephews Daniel Wirt and Dr. Howard Lee; and nieces Sandra Labovits, Margo Lowenstein, Dr. Karen Lee Raden, and Liza Wirt; as well as many, many special friends. In addition to her parents, Jack and Alice, Helen was preceded in death by her nephew Matthew Wirt. Her loss will be deeply felt. Helen's funeral service will be held on Monday, March 21, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 2300 Center Avenue, Bay City, Michigan. Rabbi A. David Nelson will officiate with burial following in the Bay City Jewish Community Cemetery. The family will be receiving mourners at 11:00 a.m., preceding the funeral at Temple Beth Israel. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Helen's name to your favorite charity, or to one that was dear to Helen's heart, including: The Bay Area Community Foundation, The Alice and Jack Wirt Women's Center, The Literacy Council of Bay County, Hidden Harvest or The CAN Council.