Naomi Lee

NAOMI L. LEE

Iowa City

Naomi L. Lee, 90, longtime resident of Iowa City, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 2, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, with a light reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.

Naomi was born April 11, 1926, in Stanhope, Iowa, to Hazel and Harry Read. She called Iowa City home for the past 66 years. Naomi was the iconic stay-at-home mom. Her house always was immaculate, the meals were always home cooked and the cookies were always baked, not "store bought."

After raising her two children, she worked as a receptionist for the University of Iowa Eye Department, where she kept things running smoothly, always with a friendly smile, for over 20 years.

Upon retirement, she devoted her time to family, and her real passion, flower gardening, usually while wearing white and sporting a necklace and earrings. Nothing delighted her more than showing her garden to friends and guests. Rest assured there will be a little more color in heaven now that Naomi is there.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Hage; brother, Jack Read; and loving husband of 70 years, former Iowa City Recreation director Robert A. Lee.

She's survived by her sister, Roma Anderson of Arvada, Colo.; son, Mark Lee (Janis) of Port Neches, Texas; daughter, Jackie Lee of Minneapolis; two grandchildren, Chris Lee and Jeff (Jean) Lee; and three great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to her caregivers, Patricia Kennedy and Rick and Marilyn Lee.