Anne "Nancy" Lee

Anne (Nancy) Canning Lee, a lifelong Bostonian whose life was marked by faith, family, and service to others, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in Dorchester, Nancy chose to begin her own family in South Boston after marrying the love of her life, Joe Lee, with whom she shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. Together they raised seven children: Joseph (Laura), Megan, Andrew (Erin), Courtney (Donald), Patrick (Katherine), Brendan (Connie), and Kevin (Janet).

Nancy’s passion for education and love for children led her to a long career with the Boston Public Schools. She first taught in the classroom and later, after earning her master’s in social work from Simmons College, served as a student support coordinator. She touched countless lives with her dedication, compassion, and tireless advocacy for students and families.

A devout Catholic, Nancy was a faithful parishioner of Gate of Heaven Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. Her faith guided every aspect of her life and gave her strength and joy.

Nancy loved to travel and was endlessly curious about the world. She traveled extensively, visiting Russia, Cuba, Vietnam, Malaysia, and especially her beloved Ireland, where she felt a deep bond with her heritage. She loved spending time with friends, old and new, and treasured the closeness and support they shared throughout her life.

She is survived by her dear sisters, Joan Lane (the late Chuck) of Bradford and Roberta Skillin (Mike) of Dorchester, as well as her fourteen treasured grandchildren: Andrew and Matthew Fumarola; Catherine, Andrew, Mary, and Martin Lee; Donny, Eamon, and Christopher Holmes; Cecilia and James Lee; Joseph Lee; and Kevin and Annie Lee. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Andrew “Red” and Lillian Canning, who instilled in her the values of kindness and service that she carried throughout her life.

Nancy will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, social worker, and friend. She cherished time with her family above all else and leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Spencer Funeral Home, 575 East Broadway, South Boston. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Church, 615 East Fourth Street, South Boston. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fisher House Boston, P.O. Box 230, South Walpole, MA 02071, or online at Fisher House in Memory of Nancy Lee.

https://connect.fisherhouse.org/campaign/FisherHouseNancy--Lee