Lesley Anne (Walker) McSavaney

Lee McSavaney (1956–2026)

A steadfast wife, devoted mother, and doting grandmother, as well as a devout Christian and fond admirer of dolphins later in life, Lesley Anne (Walker) McSavaney, 70, of Hilton Head, South Carolina, after a prolonged illness with cancer, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, surrounded by her adoring family.

Lee was born to Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey and Rita Walker outside Swanley, in Kent, England, on the 25th of March, 1956. She earned her Higher National Certificate in Business Studies from Thames Polytechnic and worked in administrative positions throughout her life. Beyond business, her career advanced the mission and work of worthy nonprofit organizations, including Chestnut Ridge Christian Church in Roswell, Georgia, and later Church of the Palms, Habitat for Humanity, and Volunteers in Medicine in the Lowcountry.

Lee married her husband Dave in a small ceremony in her parents’ garden, on the 3rd of July, 1976. Lee and Dave would live in London, Cambridge, Singapore, Hong Kong, Boston, and Atlanta, finally retiring to Hilton Head. As a mother to James and Katherine, Lee was deeply conscientious and raised capable, independent adults with families of their own. Lee was delighted to be known as Nanny to her grandchildren; she loved to watch them play with toys she’d presented them and especially to feed everyone treats. In later years, even in declining health, Lee had drawn great encouragement and happiness from her family and especially her dear friends, the self-proclaimed Tennis Barbies.

In retirement, in the quiet cool of her home, Lee typically enjoyed nature watching. The soothing rhythm of Spanish moss swaying from the tree branches of the live oaks, as well as the small lizards and nimble skinks climbing the windows, were a welcome sight, season to season and year to year. At the beach, the surprise splash of a dolphin tail in the surf counted as a blessing from God for her, and the formations of pelicans flying low over the waves were like bands of angels rejoicing in the heavens, as they surely are now.

Lee is preceded in death by her mother and father, Rita and Geoffrey. Lee is survived by her brother Rob, husband Dave, daughter Katie, son-in-law Parker Collins, son James, daughter-in-law Amy Royce, and grandchildren Walker and Arthur.

In lieu of flowers, donations made in memory of Lee McSavaney to Bluffton Jasper County Volunteers in Medicine or Friends of Caroline Hospice would be deeply appreciated.