Jan B Lee

It is with great sadness that we share the sudden loss of Jan B Lee on July 18, 2023, at age 70, in a vehicle accident. She is survived by siblings, Teri, Robin, and David; niece, Stacy; grandnephew, Logan; four cousins; and extended family. Jan was born in Long Beach, CA in 1952.

Born with cerebral palsy, she had an intrepid spirit that inspired all who met her. Jan was willing to work to achieve any goal to which she set her mind. She was a payroll accountant for Fotomat in San Diego, CA and was transferred when the Fotomat headquarters were relocated to Florida. She graduated from St Petersburg College and lived in St Petersburg for more than thirty years. She made life-long friends in Florida before moving to Phoenix, Arizona in 2016.

She developed a passion for table tennis and billiards which she later passed on to her niece. Jan's proficient left-handed play amazed her opponents. Always willing to help others, she gently coached new players with a smile. Learning to swim was a challenge but Jan was determined to excel and was a swim instructor and lifeguard. An avid gardener, she was featured in the newspaper for her skills at the community garden. Once a patient at Seabreeze Physical Therapy clinic, she later volunteered, then worked part-time there as an aide. She felt a special connection to all physical therapy patients.

Jan learned to play Mah Jongg in Florida and in Phoenix she started a group at the South Mountain Senior Center and enthusiastically taught newcomers the basics and finer points of the game. She also coordinated a group at the Pecos Senior Center. She enjoyed Tai Chi, participated in drum circles, and danced with high spirits.

She was thrilled by any form of transportation and travel. Her indomitable, adventurous spirit inspired a like passion in her niece, Stacy. Jan took every opportunity to go anywhere, anytime. She was delighted by the gondola ride at Squaw Valley, CA. She rode the elevator to the top of 30 Rockefeller in New York, toured the White House in Washington DC and felt the spray of Niagara Falls riding the ferry in Canada. Her favorite mode of travel was by train, and she was filled with wonder as she rode through the Canadian Rockies. She loved to ride a bicycle and her car served as her feet. An enthusiastic fan of NASCAR races, she jumped at the chance to ride with a professional driver around the track in Daytona, Florida. She was also a tireless walker in her reliable leg braces. She trekked up the sand dunes on the Oregon coast and through the Redwoods of California. She climbed the castle stairs in Ireland and found her sea legs on Lock Ness in Scotland. Her childlike wonder was contagious, and every destination was a great adventure. Jan made uniquely special memories with everyone who was fortunate enough to travel with her.

Jan took pride in her neighborhood, had a friendly greeting and a cheerful smile for everyone she encountered, and would unselfishly do anything to help anyone. Jan's smile brightened every day. Her kindness, her laughter, and her hugs will be missed by all those whose path she crossed.

A celebration of life will be held later. Donations can be made to your favorite charity or to United Cerebral Palsy at UCP.org.