Rosalie Lee

10/3/1927 - 10/29/2025

Mystic - Rosalie Benton Lee, wife of the late John "Jack" Lee, died peacefully at her home in Mystic, Oct. 29, 2025. She was 98.

Born Oct. 3, 1927 to Louise Snead Benton and Frank May Benton, Rosalie grew up in Andover, Mass., where her father taught Latin and coached football at Phillips Academy. It was at Andover that she met her fellow student and future husband Jack Lee.

Rosalie graduated from Abbott Academy, and went on to attend the Colorado School of Mines at the University of Colorado.

She and Jack married in 1948, living in Cambridge, Mass., while Jack attended MIT, then moved to Wilmington, Del., where their three children, Virginia, Molly and Steve were born. They later moved to West Hartford and Bloomfield, where Jack pursued his engineering career with fuel cells for Apollo and Rosalie pioneered a non-profit for youth at risk called The Bridge, serving as president of the board. She also served as executive director of Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation, dedicated to excellence in the arts. They retired to years of adventuresome sailing in the Caribbean, South America, and Europe.

Back on land, they built a new house on Masons Island in which Rosalie's love of modern design was evident. They were long-time members of the Ram Island Yacht Club, Mystic Seaport, SECT Symphony Orchestra, and the Good Speed Opera. An avid reader, super Scrabble player and engaging conversationalist, Rosalie sustained her sharp wit and mind through lifelong memberships in numerous book clubs in both Hartford and Mystic.

Rosalie was predeceased by her son Stephen Maxim Lee; and by her husband of 72 years, John Maxim Lee. She is survived by her daughters, Virginia Lee of Charlestown R.I., Molly Lee of Barrington, R.I.; and her daughter-in-law Barbara Palm Lee of Plympton, Mass. Rosalie is also survived by four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and eight-great-grand children.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.