Anne Lee

 Alice Emily Anne Lee After a life beautifully lived, Alice Emily Anne Lee passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026, at the age of 87, with her family by her side. Anne leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, compassion, and a lifetime of caring for others.

Anne was born on October 24, 1938, on the family farm near Minnedosa, Manitoba, weighing just three pounds. Her Aunt Rhoda wrapped her in cotton batting, nestled her in a men's shoebox, and kept her warm on the oven door. Anne defied the odds from her very first day, and that fighting spirit remained with her throughout her life, serving her well as she courageously battled cancer in her later years.

Anne was the daughter of Fred and Iola Harbottle and spent her childhood in Minnedosa alongside her brother, Bob (Marian), and her sisters Kathleen (Gino), Delle (Caz), Rhoda (Donny), Jane, and her youngest sister, Denise. Their home was always filled with music. Every payday, her father would bring home a new record, and the family would sing and dance together. Anne's love of music never faded. Although she couldn't read music, she could effortlessly harmonize to almost any song and found great joy singing with the Choraliers, the Neepawa United Church Choir, and the trio AnnDorAda.

On May 24, 1958, Anne married the love of her life, Desmond Arthur "Bud" Lee. Their courtship may have been short, but their marriage was an extraordinary partnership that spanned 63 years. Together they built a home where everyone felt welcome. Their door was always open. No invitation was ever needed and friends and family gathered frequently.

Together, Anne and Bud enjoyed many memorable trips through Bud's business, but some of their happiest times were spent camping with family and dear friends, especially the beloved "Rowdy Bunch." Anne also treasured every opportunity to travel to England to visit her extended family.

Throughout her life, Anne found countless ways to serve her community. She spent many years working in the iconic corner building on Mountain Avenue in Neepawa that housed several local businesses, including Strock's Hardware, Marr's Clothing, Ebner's Men's Wear, and Myra's Clothing. Whether working as a clerk, store manager, or talented seamstress, Anne became such a fixture that the family often joked, "She just went with the building."

Later, Anne found her true calling as an Educational Assistant at Neepawa Area Collegiate, where she worked with students with special needs. She built meaningful and lasting relationships with her students and their families, some of which continue to this day.

Anne believed deeply in giving back. She was an active member of the Neepawa Lionelles, the Neepawa Golf and Country Club, Neepawa United Church, Touchwood Park Board, volunteered as a candy striper back in the day and helped with Palliative Care. She drew upon her own life experiences to offer comfort, encouragement, and practical wisdom to those facing difficult times. Helping others wasn't something Anne did, it was simply who she was.

Anne will be remembered for her gentle heart, quiet strength, unwavering faith, and sense of fun. She embraced life with joy and remained active for as long as she could. She golfed three times a week well into her later years and proudly chose the stairs over the elevator whenever she had the chance.

Anne is lovingly remembered by her son David Lee (Jo), her daughter Barbara Kaspick (Lindsay), her grandchildren Daniel, Kris, Jordan, Tanner, and Mason, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who became family.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bud; her daughter, Elizabeth; her son, Bryan; and her precious granddaughter, Bryn.

Although Anne experienced profound loss throughout her life, she never allowed it to diminish her compassion or her generosity of spirit. Instead, she continued to lift others up with quiet strength, unwavering faith, and a heart that always found room for kindness.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the exceptional staff of the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, the many physicians who cared for Anne over the years, and the countless friends whose love and support meant so much to her. Your kindness brought comfort not only to Anne but to all who loved her.

A celebration of Anne's life will be held on Thursday, July 9, at 2:00 p.m. at Neepawa United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Neepawa Palliative Care Unit.

If you wish to honour Anne's memory, turn up the music, take the stairs, play a round of golf, open your home, offer a helping hand, and always look for the best in others. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anne Lee, please visit our floral store.