CLIFTON PARK – Mary Ann Lee, who shared her love of good food and inspired generations to cook, died Friday, June 15, 2018. She was 90. Mary Ann Hnatuk, daughter of Stephen and Margaret Papajcik Hnatuk, was born on Long Island and graduated from Hicksville High School.
She worked as a secretary in New York City for several years, and married Robert E. Lee in 1952. He died in 2002; they were married for 49 years. She raised six children and was a proud homemaker and gracious hostess, always welcoming friends and family to the table in her lively, loving home.
She was smart, vital and curious, and taught herself to cook and bake at a time before cookbooks even had photos. Her family benefited from her talent and enthusiasm, enjoying outstanding meals and acquiring an appreciation for fine dining. Mary Ann not only followed recipes, she devised them, and became well known in the world of cooking contests.
She was a finalist twice in the Pillsbury Bake-Off, won prizes in nationwide contests for her recipes from the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, Newman’s Own and IGA Supermarkets. Her recipes appeared in national publications, regional newspapers, in dozens of cookbooks and on product packages, including Triscuit and Chex Mix. She taught herself to write recipes and photograph food.
Her knowledge was encyclopedic and she was happy to share it by researching and sending recipes, offering advice and answering endless cooking questions. She was an ideal and frequent Companion for restaurant dining reviews for The Daily Gazette of Schenectady. She was no snob; she appreciated a good meal at a hot dog stand just as much as at the best steakhouse.
Mary Ann is survived by her beloved children: Peggy Lee, JoAnn Walpole (Dennis), Bob Lee (Michele), Caroline Lee (Eric Anderson), Edward Lee (Michele); grandchildren Joseph Walpole MD, PhD (Alexis) and Ann Marie Walpole, Erica, Caitlin, Rob and Stephanie Lee and Kristian and Jonathan Lee; great grandson Henry Johnson Walpole and many nieces and nephews. She is survived by a sister, Margie. She was preceded in death by her much-loved husband Bob and son Patrick and one brother and three sisters.
She leaves her family to remember and celebrate her memory every time they take out the flour, grease a pan, braise a roast. Her accomplishments will be passed on for generations. Many thanks to the Gateway House of Peace in Ballston Spa for their loving care of Mary Ann and for all our family, and for affording us a place where she passed away so peacefully.
Those who wish may make a memorial contribution so that they can continue their compassionate work.
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