Obituary: Lee S. (Lewis) Baxter - Class of 1969

MADISON - Lee S. Baxter, age 62, died on Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Lee was born in Madison on Oct. 21, 1951, to Elizabeth and Eugene Lewis. Lee graduated from Central High School in 1969 and MATC in 1971. On Aug. 12, 1972, she married Patrick J. Baxter. Lee worked as a legal secretary at the State Bar of Wisconsin until her first child was born. She began her second career in 1978 raising her four children. Lee was very active in her children's lives. She was their partner and advocate through their education, sports teams and all aspects of their lives. Lee's third career began two years ago with the birth of her first grandchild, Genevieve, followed by Patrick. She was thrilled to mentor and nurture her two beautiful grandkids. "Nana" created the perfect kids paradise at her home and always looked forward to entertaining them. Lee was president of P.E.O. chapter BY in Madison. She loved being part of this group of wonderful ladies and looked forward to the monthly meetings and projects. Lee and Pat travelled the world and enjoyed time spent with their kids on annual family vacations and "Up North" at their home in Three Lakes, Wis. Christmas and Halloween were her favorite holidays and she went all out for both. Lee is survived by her husband of 42 years, Patrick; children, Sean and wife, Amanda, Ryan, Brendan and wife, Kristin, all of Madison, and Bridget of Scottsdale, Ariz.; grandchildren, Genevieve and Patrick (Sean and Amanda); siblings, Gene Lewis and Ginny Clark; and in-laws, Monsignor Tom Baxter, Rick Baxter, Mary and George Meier, William and Therese Baxter and Erin Lewis. Lee was a beautiful woman who was kind, generous, caring, intelligent and humble. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Services will be private. Memorials in Lee's name can be made to P.E.O. Foundation, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312, or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711.  

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 4, 2014. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).