Obituary of Lee Gurr

Passed on Saturday, August 29th, 2020 at her residence in Arbor Trace Memory Care Center, London, Ontario. Lee passed peacefully and quietly following a period of deteriorating mental and physical health. She had recently celebrated her 93rd birthday with family (August 16, 1927). Lee was predeceased by her husband Robert ‘Bob’ who was her lifelong partner, companion, teammate and very best friend (February 18, 2017). Daughter of the late Joseph & Maria Bortolotti, of Windsor. Beloved mother of Dr. Kevin Gurr & wife Carol, of London, and Paul & wife Mary, of Collingwood. Dearest sister and lifelong friend of Norma & the late Terry Masterson, of London, and brother Bruno & wife Margaret Bortolotti, of Windsor. Loving grandmother to Ryan (Brianna Wright), Robert (Jennifer), Carly (James Burley), Emily (Jesse Eccles) and Stephanie (Grant Beeler). Great-grandmother to Yarrow, Eliza, Oliver, Phoebe, Beau, Ayla, Justus and Luke. Born in Windsor, Ontario to Italian immigrant parents, Lee attended high school at W.D. Lowe, where she learned her secretarial skills and played varsity basketball. Soon after graduating and a stint in secretarial work, Lee took a case worker position at the local Children’s Aid Society, where her empathy and compassion for others first emerged. Not long after, she met Bob who had recently returned from service overseas. Following a rather short courtship, they were married by Father Davies at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, in Windsor, where they began their lifelong journey together. Being highly motivated, the recently married couple initiated their first of several automotive related entrepreneurial businesses, where Lee set up and managed the bookkeeping and accounting responsibilities. Consistent with taking on the unknown with enthusiasm and energy, Team Gurr set out to build their home on Gladstone Avenue under the tutelage and assistance of Lee’s father, Joe. Several years later, their family was started with the birth of Kevin and Paul. Their home soon became the meeting place where family, friends and neighbours swam and socialized regularly in the backyard. The next significant milestone in Lee’s life was taking the decision to move the “city girl” to the country, where Bob had found a rather run down century-old farmhouse located between Kingsville and Harrow. Following extensive renovation, the home quickly became known simply as “The Lake”, where Lee and Bob hosted close friends and family. Soon to become known as the “CD” (Camp Director), Lee organized countless activities including golfing, boating, tennis, and overtook the management of accounting for the local yacht club (CIYC). Lee and her new best friend Maxine (Mickey) Clark entered into a nearly lifelong (30+ year) commitment to passionate volunteer services at the Leamington District Memorial Hospital, where their love and engaging dispositions supported countless patients over many decades. During the off-season, Lee and Bob discovered their second favourite home in Sanibel Island, Florida. Lee’s competitive drive was ever-present during their daily bike journeys, intense tennis matches, and golf. These activities were complimented with wonderful social times which were enjoyed for over 30 years with many family and friends. What Lee cherished most in life was her family, and her love for people. Lee’s welcoming smile, caring and loving nature was felt by all. She will be missed, but never forgotten by those fortunate enough to have been touched by her. A private family memorial service was held on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. A celebration of Lee’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in Lee’s name may be directed to the Erie Shores Health Foundation (formerly the Leamington District Memorial Hospital) at www.eshfoundation.ca (select “Give Now”).