Lee Barbara Willis, 78, passed away peacefully April 1, 2023, after battling a long term illness with loved ones by her side.

Lee was born to the late Henrietta (DeTeau) and Carl A. Fabian in Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts. Lee graduated from Leilehua High School in Wahiawa, Hawaii and attended the Chandler School for Women, Boston, Massachusetts.

Lee’s love of the written word led to a career editing and developing textbooks and educational curriculum studies. Lee was employed by Biological Sciences Curriculum Study, Junior Achievement and Future Business Leaders of America.

Lee’s love of nature, animals, birds and the outdoors was equaled by her natural beauty, simple elegance and warm smile. She was a long term resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado where she enjoyed the beautiful Rocky Mountain setting with her husband Michael and their canine and feline companions. Together they explored the Rocky Mountain West in their vintage Avion travel trailer. Lee loved history and culture of Native American People of the Southwestern United States.

Southwest Florida was another love of Lee’s. She particularly loved the birds of this region in  Florida and was drawn to the Peace River Wildlife Center. Lee was an inquisitive, eager to learn individual that loved researching and uncovering truths on topics of interest.

Lee is survived by her husband Michael Willis, daughters, Cathy Welsh and Kristen Welsh,  brother Carl A. Fabian Jr. and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Nancy L. Hobart of Vermont.

The family would like to thank Tidewell Hospice, Venice, FL and their great staff for the wonderful care they provided.

In lieu of flowers donations  can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Peace River Wildlife Center in memory of Lee Barbara Willis.

Friends may visit www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte, Florida