Friday, June 28, 2024
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I was saddened by the news of Lee’s passing. I’m not sure if Lee would remember me. We were in the same class from 4th through 6th grade at Lewis school in Lynn. We played at each others house from time to time and we both attended Pickering Jr. high. I still recall her lively personality and beautiful wavy, dark hair.
My family moved to Texas right after junior high and I eventually moved to Nevada where I live now. Sadly, I lost touch with my Lynn friends and classmates, with the exception of a few.
Last week, (on June 17) my husband and I were in Napa and we passed the “Turnbull” vineyard. The only other time I heard that name was Lee Turnbull. I took a few snapshots as we drove past and told my husband that winery inspired me to look Lee up and reconnect after all these years.
While we were driving through wine country, I told my husband a funny memory of Lee and I while in Mrs . Burnette’s 5th grade class at Lewis school: The class voted for Lee as class president - did Lee ever mention that? Well, it’s true. Another classmate and I were running for class vice president. My opponent/classmate was elected vice president. Mrs. Brunette was standing with the winner and I at the front of the class when the announcement was made. In front of the entire class, I began to cry. I think Mrs. Brunette felt sorry for me and offered to appoint me as class librarian. In front of the whole class - again - I declined saying that Lee deserved to be president and I wanted to be her vice president.
I was hoping to reminisce and share that funny memory with Lee. When we got home last weekend, I began an on-line search for Lee and discovered her name was now Lee Manning. A Google search for Lee Turnbull Manning instantly brought up her obituary. It took my breath away that she had passed the day we flew home from Napa.
My sympathies go out to her husband, daughter, loved ones and friends.
I wish I had reached out to Lee so much sooner.
Sincerely,
Judy Gautreau Gramly
