Josephin Symon Lee , April 04, 2005 — June 02, 2018

Josephine Symons Lee passed away at home on June 2, 2018. She was born August 24, 1927 in Saginaw to the late John W. (Ben) and Helen Church Symons. Josephine was married to Charles J. Lee on October 11, 1952 who predeceased her on April 4, 2005, and leaves four children, Charles H. (Denise) Lee Bay City, Josephine Lee, Saginaw, Elizabeth L. (Michael) Meyer Chesaning, and John Symons Lee (Patrick McDonald) of Cleveland, five grandchildren Carlisle (Marco) Brown, Katy (Jason) Mills, Catherine (Kelly) Looze, Eric Drzewicki and Brooke Drzewicki; seven great-grandchildren, Sophia, Joston, Andrea, Bryson, Charles Alexander, Lindsey and Tacey Josephine had one sister and two brothers who predeceased her, Helen Ann deGeus, John Church Symons, and David Church Symons.

Josephine graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1947 and attended Colby Junior College in New London, NH. She was a member of St. John Episcopal Church. She was also a member of the Junior League, the Assistance League, Garden Club, Newcomers Club, the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Air Patrol and a former member of The 99’s.

While raising four wonderful children Josephine and her sister Helen Ann opened “The Symons Girls General Store” where they specialized in fine wine, imported cheese and various food items. She also developed an interest in flying and she and her husband traveled throughout the United States, Bahamas and the Caribbean islands. During this time, Josephine acquired her multiple pilots’ licenses such as instrument, commercial, multi-engine and flight instructors license.

Josephine also took part in numerous air plane races, including several Michigan “SMALL” races where she finished 2nd, the Angel Derby from Toronto to Nassau as well as the Powder Puff Derby in 1971 from Calgary BC to Baton Rouge LA. Josephine was the first woman in the country to fly search and rescue as a Deputy for the Sheriffs Air Patrol. Josephine also enjoyed sailing her Lightning sailboat on Higgins Lake where she spent her first ninety summers.

A memorial service will be held at a later date on the shores of Higgins Lake. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Lakeside Memorial Fund or the Higgins Lake Foundation. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Josephine Lee, please visit our Tribute Store.

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