Beloved mother and grandmother, Helen Ann (Cooper) Lee, 82, formerly of Jefferson City and St. Louis, MO, died September 3, 2017, at her home in Frisco, TX. She was born Aug. 18, 1935, in Pittsburgh, PA, daughter of Irving I. and Gertrude B. (Broida) Cooper. She lived in Springfield, IL, for a time before the family moved to St. Louis. Helen married Robert "Bob" E. Lee on Nov. 24, 1956, in Brentwood, MO.
Helen was a 1952 graduate of Clayton High School in St. Louis and then attended Washington University to study fashion design. She was in the clothing industry all her life, and a seamstress for over 40 years. She started her sales career at her parents’ clothing store, Cooper's, in St. Louis, and then became a buyer at Shell & Ward in Jefferson City, MO. She later worked for Dillard's in Jefferson City.
As a child, Helen was a Girl Scout and later became a leader for her daughter Kristi's troop. She loved Scouting and was thrilled that her daughter became a troop leader for her own daughters. Helen's son, Jeff, became a Scoutmaster and his son was a Boy Scout, continuing the family Scouting tradition.
Intrigued by Native American culture, Helen really enjoyed family trips to the Southwest for Bob's active duty in the Army Reserves. She often brought home beautiful examples of Native design in the form of silver and turquoise jewelry. She loved purchasing her wardrobe at Chico's (especially with her sisters, mother, and daughter along too) and stopping off for a Mocha Latte after a successful shopping trip. Like her father, she relished a rare steak and stimulating conversation around the table with family and friends. A tech-savvy Grammy, Helen loved how today's devices could keep her in touch with family and allow her to see cherished photos at any time. She enjoyed competitive games like bridge or trivia, and especially liked word games and crossword puzzles. She kept up with the latest news and was quite an avid reader.
After living most of her life in Missouri, Helen moved to Frisco, TX in 2012 to be near her daughter and two grandchildren. She enjoyed attending all of their activities and watching them grow up. She was a faithful attender of Centennial Church in Frisco, TX.
Helen's positive attitude and great love for her family were always evident, and an inspiration to the family. Her cheery, "Well, hello there" on the phone will be sorely missed. We will carry her love in our hearts always.
She is survived by her children, R. Jeff Lee and wife Pamela McMurray of Lawrenceville, GA; Kristi (Lee) Watkins and husband, Jon, of Plano, TX; grandchildren, Chris Lee and wife, Jennifer Young, Lindsey Watkins, Natalie Watkins; sisters, Rosemary Kurt and husband, Jim, of Webster Groves, MO, Patricia Whitener and husband, Jim, of Creve Coeur, MO; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Helen was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 9, at Parkview in Frisco, TX. Another celebration of her life will take place Saturday, September 16, at Shepard Funeral Chapel in St. Louis, MO, with noon-1:30 pm visitation and 1:30 pm service. Interment will be beside her beloved husband Bob at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
Memorials may be made to Scouting programs, Hurricane Relief, or the charity of your choice.