MELBOURNE, Fla. — Aletha Lynn (Lee) Stanford died Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, from complications of diabetes. Lee was 67 years old and had resided both in Cambridge Springs and Melbourne, Fla.
Lee was born on May 23, 1942, to the late Rexford and Marjorie Stanford. Her deceased brothers were Frederick (Rick) and Dolph Stanford.
Lee graduated from Townville High School in 1960 and from Mercyhurst College in 1964 with a bachelor of arts degree in music. She also earned a master’s of education degree from Edinboro University later in life.
Lee’s career included 25 years with the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare, where she rose to the title of director of training. Lee was also an accomplished musician and shared her gifts of voice and choral direction with many churches and organizations in New Richmond, Cambridge Springs, Meadville, Erie and Melbourne. She organized the New Richmond Octet, which performed at many public and private gatherings.
Lee had many passions, including cooking for her family, baking fancy cakes for friends’ special occasions, organizing community events such as the New Richmond Arts Festival, staying politically informed and caring for animals — especially her beloved cats.
Lee is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Tania and Mark Pippin, and a granddaughter, Gabriela Lee Filippelli, of Melbourne. Lee is also survived by an aunt, Jeanne Gill of Saegertown, as well as sisters-in-law, Susan Lawrence and Norma Stanford of Cambridge Springs. Nephews are Rexford P. Stanford and Dolph B. Stanford, both of Port Orange, Fla., and Jesse D. Stanford and Michael B. Stanford, both of Cambridge Springs.
Services are planned for mid-2010 in Pennsylvania, exact date and details to be determined.
Donations may be made to the Crawford County Humane Society, 11012 Kennedy Hill Road, Meadville, Pa. 16335; or the Humane Society of South Brevard, 2600 Otter Creek Lane, Melbourne, Fla. 32940.
An online tribute and guestbook is available at www.affuneral.com/obits/.
Arrangements were under the direction of South Brevard Funeral Home, 1001 S. Hickory St., Melbourne, Fla.
