LEE, Terry

Terry Lee

December 30, 1947 – July 2, 2025

Terry Lee passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, grit, and grace. Born in Germany on December 30, 1947, Terry emigrated to Ottawa, Canada in the 1950s with her mother Krystyna, father Karol, and younger brother Mike—arriving in a new country with little more than determination and a fierce sense of family.

Those early years, lived with frugality and resilience, shaped her deeply. As Terry found success in her career, she never forgot where she came from. Giving back to her family became her quiet mission. She was the kind of person who would start her Christmas shopping in March—not out of impatience, but because she took such joy in finding the perfect gift for each person she loved. She gave with intention, wrapped in care, and always with that unmistakable spark in her eyes.

Small in stature but impossible to miss, Terry had a spitfire personality and a heart that beat loud and proud for the people she loved. Her friends lovingly called her their “pit bull”—fiercely loyal, endlessly protective, and never one to back down when it mattered. If Terry was in your corner, you were never standing alone.

She brought that same fire to her career. As one of the few women in leadership roles during the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, Terry walked boldly into workplaces that weren’t always ready to welcome her—but she made space anyway. With grit, intelligence, and grace, she proved herself not just an equal, but someone to follow. She made sure her son, Chris, grew up knowing that women don’t just belong at the table—they often build it.

Although Terry had just one son by birth, her heart made room for many more. Chris’s close friends and Nikki’s siblings quickly became her “adopted” children, wrapped into the family as naturally as if they’d always been there. And when those friends and siblings had children of their own, Terry welcomed them as adopted grandchildren—with the same love, care, and joy she gave to her own. Her family was as wide as her heart.

In softer moments, her friends affectionately called her the “Polish Princess”—a playful, proud reflection of her heritage and the elegance she carried with her. She had style, edge, and a sense of humor that could disarm even the toughest of days. Whether she was delivering a one-liner, offering a word of encouragement, or wrapping a gift with quiet joy, she did it all with her whole heart.

Terry is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Bill; her beloved son, Chris, and daughter-in-law, Nikki; her cherished grandchildren, Greyson and Mackenzie; her brother Mike (Kathy), with whom she shared a close and loving bond; and her brother John (Kristina), who remains part of the family’s enduring story. She also leaves behind countless extended family members, adopted children, and grandchildren who knew her as something more than a friend: they knew her as home.

She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a leader, and a fierce friend. Her passing was sudden, and the loss is profound—but her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every lesson she passed down, and every heart she helped shape.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Anyone who would like to attend is invited to email rememberingterrylee@gmail.com to be added to a distribution list for the forthcoming invitation.

The family is not requesting flowers or donations. Instead, they ask that you honour Terry’s memory by paying something forward to a stranger—whether that means helping someone in need, donating to a favourite cause, or simply extending kindness where it’s needed most. 

If you do something in her honour, the family would love to hear about it. Please feel free to share your act of kindness by emailing rememberingterrylee@gmail.com. These stories will be collected and included in a slideshow at her Celebration of Life—so Terry can continue to inspire others, just as she always did.

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May God give you the strength and the courage to overcome these difficult times. May this message bring you the testimony of a profound and sincere sympathy. To help you forget these sad hours, may our thoughts bring you comfort and serenity. Although flowers wither, die and disappear, their precious perfume remains. Like these bright flowers, those we love never die, they remain with us forever imprinted in our memories. There are no words to express how much we are devastated by the loss you live. We just hope that our sympathy will bring you some relief.

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33 messages received

Bill, Chris, Nikki and boys

We have fond memories of our get togethers and Myrtle Beach trips with Terri and Bill. Our “Polish Princess” will be greatly missed.

Jacqui and Ron Naylor, July 7, 2025

All who loved her

I met Terry as a friend of my parents, but she quickly included me into the NMB Club, as I was often there.
Terry made the every day, fun. Whether we were just sitting having a glass of wine( with ice please!), swapping stories on the beach or out shopping, she always took the time to ask about you, your life, your kids. I loved her smile, her quick jokes and her fierce hugs. I am so glad that I got to know her and count her as one of my friends.

Kathy Grosser Hamilton, July 7, 2025

Bill, Chris, and Nikki,

As I read this notice I had tears in my eyes, this was a fitting tribute and description of Terry/your Mom.
Terry was one in a million.

Karen and Earl Miner, July 7, 2025

All who loved her

"Spitfire" is the perfect word to describe Terry :) I am truly grateful and very fortunate to have her as my 2nd mom. She holds a special place in our heart and will be truly missed.

Adam, Dao and Myles, July 7, 2025

Bill Chris and the whole Lee Family.

We miss you dearly my Friend, and our outings will never be the same with out you. R.I.P.

Earl and Karen Miner, July 7, 2025

Billy, Chris, Nicki,and the boys

With heavy hearts we send this message of condolence.
Terry was a true original. She will be missed terribly.
Love,
Don and Ann

Ann Boville, July 7, 2025

Chris and family

Chris, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Sending my condolences to you and your entire family. May the loving memories you have of her comfort you in difficult times.

Lisette da Silva, July 7, 2025

Bill and family

Dear Bill and family. It’s with a heavy heart that I extend to you our deepest condolences. Terry was part of our family, and loved by all. I am so lucky to have had the chance to laugh with her on different occasions, in the past few years. She was quite the trooper. She certainly will be missed by all that crossed her path. She’s now your angel watching over you. She loved her family so much…take care and RIP beautiful lady.

Doreen Banville and Richard, July 7, 2025

Billy & family

Dear Billy so shocked & sorry to hear of Terry passing away . Terry will be so missed by lots of people . Our condolences from Lorraine & Al Edwards

Lorraine & Al Edwards , July 7, 2025

Bill and Chris

We offer our deepest sympathy at the loss of Terry. As a colleague in the Northern Affairs program I can attest to her dogged determination and grit. Our condolences.

Will Dunlop, July 7, 2025

Bill, Chris and Nikki

I had the pleasure to know Terry for many years our friendship with Terry and Bill starts facades ago , our family friendship starts as soon as both me and another friend Abbas from NRC start going ski with Bill and playing tennis .
This friendship very soon became family friendship and continues to this day even with early Bill retirement this friendship kept going .
The news of her passing from Abbas broke my hart and sadden us all .

she will be remember for her good sense of hummer and strong kind personality. We all pray for the progress of her beautiful soul to the realm above.
Meanwhile wishing you all to be strong and prayful she has left a beautiful legacy behind we all miss her.
Farzad and Mehrshid
A prayer for her:
O Thou Kind Lord! This dearly cherished maidservant was attracted to Thee, and through reflection and discernment longed to attain Thy presence and enter Thy realms. With tearful eyes she fixed her gaze on the Kingdom of Mysteries. Many a night she spent in deep communion with Thee, and many a day she lived in intimate remembrance of Thee. At every morn she was mindful of Thee, and at every eve she centered her thoughts upon Thee. Like unto a singing nightingale she chanted Thy sacred verses, and like unto a mirror she sought to reflect Thy light.

O Thou Forgiver of sins! Open Thou the way for this awakened soul to enter Thy Kingdom, and enable this bird, trained by Thy hand, to soar in the eternal rose garden. She is afire with longing to draw nigh unto Thee; enable her to attain Thy presence. She is distraught and distressed in separation from Thee; cause her to be admitted into Thy Heavenly Mansion.

O Lord! We are sinners, but Thou art the Forgiver. We are submerged in the ocean of shortcomings, but Thou art the Pardoner, the Kind. Forgive our sins and bless us with Thine abundant grace. Grant us the privilege of beholding Thy Countenance, and give us the chalice of joy and bliss. We are captives of our own transgressions, and Thou art the King of bountiful favors. We are drowned in a sea of iniquities, and Thou art the Lord of infinite mercy. Thou art the Giver, the Glorious, the Eternal, the Bounteous; and Thou art the All-Gracious, the All-Merciful, the Omnipotent, He Who is the Bestower of gifts and the Forgiver of sins. Verily, Thou art He to Whom we turn for the remission of our failings, He Who is the Lord of lords.

Farzad & Mehrshid, July 7, 2025

Bill,Chris, Nikki and boys

We would like to send our kindest wishes to you during this time.

Terry was always warm and welcoming, always reaching out to simply say hi or see how things are going and sharing words of encouragement, mixed with a little fire and wisdom.

We appreciate her (and family). She will be missed.

Paul and Tammy, July 7, 2025

Billy , Chris and family

Terry was a spitfire for sure. Blessed to have been included in the old du Clairvaux dinner clubs with Terry and Billy. So saddened to hear this news. She will be dearly missed and my heart goes out to Billy..her best friend..and to Chris..the apple of her eye. My deepest condolences. Big hugs and sending love.

Lori Cinanni, July 7, 2025

Terry Lee

You have left to soon did not have the privilege to know you better I really enjoyed the lovely company and discussion we had before you left you are such good friend and human been can’t believe you are gone Terry. Love Allan larch

AllanLarch, July 7, 2025

Bill, Chris, Nikki and family

We are so sorry for your loss! That was a beautiful tribute to Terry. R.I.P! Her great memories will live on in our heart!
Sending prayers, strength and hugs to you all!
Lots of Love,
Jen and Bill

Jeanette Chang, July 7, 2025

Bill, Chris and family

We were shocked and saddened to hear about Terry. No words can ease the pain Bill, Chris and family you must be feeling.
We had the pleasure to know Terry for about 40 years. She was always pleasant to listen to with her spitfire personality. Our old Du Clairvaux dinner clubs with Terry, Bill and friends were always fun and entertaining.
Terry will be greatly missed. Rest in peace "Spitfire".

Herve & Anne Marie Vogel, July 8, 2025

Bill, Chris, Nikki, Greyson and Mackenzie

So so sad to hear the passing of Terry. Our deepest condolences to the family.
She was an exceptional lady and a good friend with a big heart and not to forget she was an excellent hostess. We will miss her dearly.
R.I.P dear friend.

Madeleine and John Brisebois, July 8, 2025

Bill and family

My heartfelt sympathy to Bill and family. That was a beautiful tribute to Terry.

Mary Dillon, July 8, 2025

Bill Lee & family

Dear Bill
Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us every day
Unseen, unheard but always near,
Still loved
Still missed
And very dear

With our deepest condolences. She
is going to be missed by all who knew
What a great person she was .

Irena &Moe Amoli, July 8, 2025

Bill and family

We send you and your family our deepest sympathies in the sudden passing of your beloved Terry. She was a lovely and kind wife, mother, grandmother and friend. May she rest in peace.

Jim and Judy

Jim and Judy Keech, July 8, 2025

Bill, Chris, Nicki, Greyson, Mackenzie

Very well composed tribute to a very special person. She will be sorely missed by many because of the kindness she injected into many lives. Deepest condolences.

Don Thompson, July 8, 2025

Bill, Chris, Nikki and family

Beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Her sudden passing hits deep.
Terry was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. She was there to celebrate every special moment in my life through childhood to adulthood. I’ll never forget her kindness, caring wisdom and down to earth nature.
She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her.

My deepest heartfelt condolences to you all.

Christine Thompson , July 8, 2025

Billy and family

My deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. I knew terry from my days at northern affairs many many years ago. May she rest in peace.

Evelyn Windover , July 9, 2025

Bill & family

With all my heart, I felt your tribute. May all your wonderful memories carry you thru this difficult time & help your heart to smile when thinking of her. Terry was a force to reckon with, a very special lady. RIP Terry

Sue Hanchuk, July 9, 2025

Bill, Chris and the family

My sincere condolences for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during such a difficult time.
Terry was a kind and caring friend who will be greatly missed. She was not a crowd pleaser, she would express her opinions freely, had high standard of moral values and would defend those with deep conviction.
Her stories of her trips to remote areas for her job was always captivating and fascinating.
She will be missed not only by her family, by her friends and anyone who knew her.
May her soul rest in peace.

Pari Fahr, July 10, 2025

Bill, Chris, Nikki, Greyson & Mackenzie

It was a shock to hear about Terry. Her sudden passing hit us hard. We were supposed to live and laugh forever!

We met Terry and Bill when we were teenagers and quickly became friends. We moved to Toronto 57 years ago and our friendship continued. Terry was like a sister to me. We always had a great time reminiscing about our earlier days. Terry had a charismatic personality and could talk to anyone in all walks of life.

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Our deepest condolences to Bill, Chris, Nikki, and Terry's "boys" whom she talked about often.

RIP Terry, but knowing you, I'm sure you'll be raising a ruckus upstairs. Hugs and Kisses

Diane and Stan Falkowski

Diane Falkowski, July 10, 2025

The Lee Family

I knew Terry many many years ago - we were both teenagers in the Polish Youth Group. Learning about her passing was a sad shock. I remember her energy and her spirit. Please accept my most sincerest condolences.

Wanda Kaspszak

wanda kaspszak, July 11, 2025

Bill and the Family

Erik and I met Terry and Bill nearly 20 years ago in Costa del Sol, Spain. From that day we enjoyed a wonderful friendship in spite of being separated by the Atlantic Ocean.

Never to be forgotten memories of Viking cruises in Europe. For Terry-the wine flowed and she enjoyed that so much. Her trips to Europe involved time here in Scotland. Visiting the castles and places of historic interest and off course the Outlander Trail! She was always interested and shared our interest in history.

Her visits here always included meeting up with our family and friends. She shared laughter and fun with the ladies of the Castaways singing group.

Our once a week FaceTime was always fun. We laughed at silly things, discussed politics and off course had her views on how things should be! We all were putting the world to rights! Updates on family and friends and especially grandchildren. She was so proud of her boys.

We will miss our special time and friendship. You were a ‘force of nature’ Terry and we loved you and will miss you very much.

Our thought are will Bill and the family. Let’s not loose touch

Irene and Erik Krogh, July 13, 2025

Bill Lee & Family

We met Bill & Terry in Costa del
Sol 20 years ago on holiday with her Sister in-law Dianne and Brother-in-law Bob whom
Tom & I still FaceTime regularly
Terry & Bill stayed and visited
My Sister Irene & Erik in Penicuik Scotland holiday with them on Viking cruises Terry was maybe small in stature but
was one gutsy lady always remembered Anniversaries and
Birthdays and will be sadly missed by Bill and her Family.
Condolences to Bill Chris Niki and grandsons .
Tom & Sheila Wallace Haddington Scotland
.

Sheila & Tom Wallace, July 14, 2025

Bill, Chris, Nikki, Greyson & Mackenzie

It was with great sadness when we heard of Terry’s passing. At times like this it is hard to know what to say or do.

We always look forward to our weekly FaceTime calls, hope we can connect with Bill from time to time.

We will also miss our wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake as well as Prince Edward County.

But most of all we’ll miss the ‘colourful’ stories.

RIP dear friend Terry.

Frank & Betty , July 14, 2025

Terry

I will miss our very intimate moments with you my friend and I love you so much

Vipan Gupta , July 17, 2025

BILL

She'll be remembered for her true friendship, kindness and interesting stories that made us laugh. We are going to miss the dinner and movie get-togethers that we all enjoyed so much. May she rest in peace. Nadi and Abbas

Abbas Fahr, July 24, 2025

Kathy and Mike

My deepest sympathies to you and your family

Jeannine Chaumont, July 25, 2025