Obituary of Betsy Maureen Lee

Born January 23,1937 in Wilkie, SK, Betsy Maureen spent her youth in Saskatchewan, living in Schlanders, Viscount, and Estevan. She eventually became a longtime resident
of Toronto, relocating to Chatham, ON in 2022 to be close to family. She passed peacefully at her home in Chatham. 

She was the daughter of the late Birden Karl & Marjorie Irene (nee McCalmon) Lee.

Beloved sister of Diane Irene McGuigan and brother-in-law John McGuigan.

Adoring aunt of Scott Lee McGuigan (April), Chatham, and Lee James McGuigan (Emily), Chapel Hill, NC.

Loving great-aunt of Scott’s children, Stevie Irene and Brock Lee, and Lee’s sons Clayton Fitzgerald & Birden Charles.

She will be missed by her remaining cousins, many longtime friends, and her dear lifelong friend Joanne Byrne.

Dearly remembered by the McGuigan Family.

Maureen graduated from the University of Saskatchewan (BA History), the University of Michigan (MA History) and the Faculty of Library and Information Science at the University of Toronto. She taught school in Edmonton, Calgary, London, England, and Toronto before embarking on her career at the University of Toronto Robarts Library, where she was the Head of the Periodical Department for over 30 years. She was very involved in the early computerization of the library’s cataloguing system. After retiring, she volunteered her time for many years at the Textile Museum, and Sunnybrook Hospital. She was a devoted and engaged member of Timothy Eaton United Church.

Maureen was a lifelong student and learner. She was an ardent reader of many genres, and one of few capable of taking down the New York Times Sunday crossword in a single sitting. She loved to travel the world, and she had an insatiable interest in history, culture, art and politics. She attended courses at the University of Toronto for years after her retirement, on topics ranging from advertising to artificial intelligence. She was an avid patron of the arts, especially the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Opera and enjoyed theatre and lecture series. 

Maureen walked to and from work almost everyday. She enjoyed both downhill and cross country skiing, and until a few years ago, swam lengths at the neighbourhood outdoor pool everyday it was open. She took great pride in the achievements of her nephews and their families brought enormous joy to her later years. 

Family to receive friends on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 at the Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim from 10:30 am until a Celebration of Maureen's Life at 11:00 am.

Cremation has taken place. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE LIVESTREAM

In memory of Maureen, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House or Doctors Without Borders.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. 

McKinlay Funeral Home

141 Park Street, Blenheim

519 676 3451