Ruby E. Lee

Ruby Elizabeth (Ellis) Lee, 100, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2023 after a brief illness at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center, Schenectady.

She was born in Lynn, Mass, on January 3, 1923 to the late Annie (Howell) and Hezekiah Ellis, who emigrated to Massachusetts from Newfoundland.

She was predeceased by her husband Gerald Lee (2004), sisters Helen McCarthy and Hazel Jordan and brothers Clarence Ellis, Edwin Ellis, Frank Ellis and Gordon Ellis.

Ruby worked in Boston in her early years as a secretary before employment at G.E. in Lynn, Ma. where she met her future husband, Gerald. They were married 56 years, moving to Pittsfield, Ma. then Schenectady to raise their family. She worked part time for Schenectady Chemical Company and volunteered at her church and the Schenectady Museum for a number of years.

She had a large and active social network, her home always filled with friends and relatives from near and far, and entertained countless neighborhood cookouts into the night along with partaking in the antics of the rabble-rousing ‘Poker Group’…they all knew how to have a good time.

She was known for her exquisite knitting and needlepoint skills as well, with numerous family members and friends gifted an abundance of, made with warmth and love. And one of her greatest pleasures was knitting hats for newborns and contributing them periodically to local hospitals.

She is survived by her sons David (Cathy) in Springboro, OH, John (late Mary) in Rotterdam and daughter Kathryn (Nancy) in Delmar, as well as grandchildren (late) Jennifer, Daniel (Kerry), Christopher (Lee Ann), Jonathan (Keely), Alyssa (Matt) and great-grandchildren Marianne and Carlo. Also left to cherish her memory are many very special nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to the employees of Kingsway Arms Nursing Center for their care of Mom on this part of her journey.

It was a long life, well lived, and now she rests.

Services will be private.

Arrangements are by the Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady.

Memorial donations may be made to Rotterdam United Methodist Church, 1915 Helderberg Ave, Schenectady NY 12306.