Renee Lee

Renee Lee, age 68, passed away peacefully after a long battle with a rare cancer, Leiomyosarcoma. She was surrounded by her loving husband, Bob; her daughters, Holly and Heather; and John, her brother-in-law.

Renee was born to George and Alice Krause in Mount Kisco, New York on July 3,1950. She attended Saint Mary’s Parochial School in Katonah and then John Jay High School in Salem, NY. Renee married Robert Lee on August 21, 1971 in Bedford, NY and they were happily married until her passing. She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert; two daughters, Holly Ludwig and Heather Herman; her brother, Clifford Krause; and grandchildren, Tyler, Carly, Cory, and Mason.

During her career as a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse, Renee believed in supporting her clients in whatever way she could. She was known for connecting emotionally with patients with Alzheimer’s; specifically, for her ability to charm them with little fibs when necessary. Despite the fact that Renee was a lifelong Type 1 Juvenile Diabetic since age three, she never let the disease interfere with any aspect of her life. Two of her endocrinologists from Charleston Medical University of South Carolina recently awarded her the Eli Lilly Journey Award for managing diabetes for 50 years. The award was presented at her farewell party at the Haven Del Webb with over 65 friends and relatives attending. Renee’s own struggles with her health did not deter her from living a full life; rather, they helped her appreciate her family and allowed her to become a gifted nurse.

 In 2010, after her dedicated career as a nurse in Clifton Park, NY, Renee retired with Robert to Bluffton, South Carolina. After her retirement, Renee enjoyed spending time at the beach, crafting, spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends. She also loved animals. She personally benefited from animal support with her own illnesses.  Her Shih Tzu service dog, Simba, aided with her diabetes insulin reactions. On two separate occasions in the last four years, Simba alerted her husband, Robert, in the middle of the night because she had life-threatening low blood sugar. During her late-stage cancer journey, Simba stayed close to her, with remarkable empathy. Renee  gave love to all and, in turn, was beloved by those around her.

There will be no funeral or wake.  Instead, there will be a memorial gathering in her honor, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner’s; Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospitals; or Sea Turtle Nest Adoption at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Renee had a saying regarding dealing with hardships: “mind over matter.“ An example of this is evident in the video of the farewell party for this wonderful, exceptionally tough lady.  Please view the link below to see how Renee wanted to be remembered.  Enjoying every precious moment with her family and friends.

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