Brownell-Lee, Patricia 'Patty Lee' Alison 88 June 27, 1923 Feb. 11, 2012
Patricia Alison Brownell was born June 27, 1923 in Portland to Ambrose Clayton Brownell and Helen Phillips-Brownell. She grew up on the Brownell farm south of Milwaukie where her dad was a world-famed breeder of Trapnested White Leghorns and propagator and grower of hollies from all over the world. Patty attended Milwaukie Union High School and graduated from Reed College in 1943 with a B.A. degree. She was a playground director for three summers at Peninsula Park 1941 and Sellwood Park 1942-43. After graduation, she taught health and physical fitness at Jefferson High School until December 1944 when she left for service in the WAVES during World War II. After her discharge in May 1946, she taught physical education at Reed College for three years prior to her marriage in July 1949 to Gilbert Prentiss Lee, M.D. Patty moved to Helena, Mont., where her husband completed his surgery requirements and became a board-certified surgeon from the American Board of Surgery. They returned to Portland to the house of 57+ years in West Portland in December 1952 with their year-old son. Patty raised her three boys and spent much time volunteering at their schools and being involved in their extra curricular activities. Patty was a community activist and an inspiration to all those who worked with her. She was an outstanding fund raiser, particularly for the March of Dimes, YWCA Building Fund and St. Helen's Hall. She was active in the Oregon and the American Heart Associations, serving as blood pressure awareness program chairman; president, chairman of the board; AHA reaffiliation committee and AHA volunteer committee. Patty was president of the Multnomah County Medical Society Auxiliary, the State Auxiliary and the American Medical Association Auxiliary in 1970-71 She was then given an honorary membership in the Multnomah County Medical Society Award. Patty helped start Jackson High School and was elected PTA president for two years. She served as a track and field timer, chaperone and fund raiser. She has been honored by the Portland Chamber of Commerce, the Oregon Journal Woman of Achievement Award, given the Mayor's Spirit of Portland Award and by Reed College receiving the Foster-Scholz Club's Distinguished Service Award. During her retirement years, she became active in the neighborhood system writing bylaws for Ashcreek Neighborhood Association and then serving as president for six years. Meanwhile, she was elected to the Board of the Southwest Neighborhoods and finally serving as their president for five years. Patty passed away on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 of sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 88. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend. All who knew her will miss her dearly. Patty was preceded in death by her husband, G. Prentiss Lee, M.D.; and her son, Gary Laurence Lee, M.D. Survived by her sons, Gilbert, Granville; daughters-in-law, Stephanie, Christi, Frost; grandchildren, Sean, Shannon, Alison, Lauren, Devin, Jennifer; great-grandchild, Addison. We will always love and remember our mother and grandmother.
