The university flag is at half-mast, in honour of Associate Professor Emerita Patricia Lee, who passed away on Friday, January 25, 2008, at Sackville Memorial Hospital. Professor Lee was a highly respected singer and musician who taught voice in the Music Department of Mount Allison University from 1982 to 1999. She was a caring teacher who inspired and demanded the best from her many students.
Born in 1934 in Odessa, Washington, Ms Lee received her Masters degree in Music from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. After moving to New York City in 1960, she was a regular soloist with the Amato Opera Theatre. She was then accepted into the Metropolitan Opera’s Young Company which toured the United States and Mexico. In 1966 she joined the chorus of the Metropolitan Opera at the time it opened its new venue at Lincoln Center.
Prior to joining the Mount Allison faculty she worked at the Music Library at the University. In addition to teaching at the University, Ms Lee gave voice recitals, served as a vocal coach for many Garnet and Gold productions, and was very active in drama productions in both Amherst and Sackville (in acting, directing, and coaching). During the early 1970's and 1980's she taught voice privately in Amherst, Nova Scotia. She continued to teach and coach private students until very recently.
She was a frequent guest on the Opera Quiz panel on C.B.C. Radio’s Saturday Afternoon at the Opera, where her profound knowledge of the field was unmatched. Her erudition was combined with a warm sense of humour and affection for friends, pupils and colleagues.
Professor Lee served on several University committees and for several years she was the indefatigable Chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on Women’s Issues, making recommendations on such matters as equity, campus security, and harassment, and monitoring implementation of University policies.
Surviving among her immediate family are her half-sister Margaret Fea, her nephews Daniel, David and Ronald Lee and Thomas Fea, her nieces Lori Gilmore, Kathy Grey and Barbara Hull, and several grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Leslie Ward Lee and Zella Green Lee, a brother, Robert S. Lee, and half-brother Leslie W. Lee.
Friends and former colleagues of the late Patricia Lee are invited to a reception in her memory, next Tuesday, February 5, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the University Club, President's Cottage, Mount Allison University Campus. Professor Lee's sister and nephew will be attending and this is an opportunity for those who knew Patricia to share memories with family and friends.
