Obituary of Sylvia M. Lee

Sylvia M. Lee, age 81, passed away on Sunday December 22, 2019 at William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay, Florida. She was predeceased by her parents Salvatore Anello and Anna Cammarata, brother Joseph Anello, son Joseph Lee, and granddaughter Jessica Lee. She is survived by her son Gordon (Angela) K. Lee III (Sterling, VA) daughter Sharon (Timothy) Lee Maynard, grandsons Gordon (Jarrod) K. Lee IV,  Andrew J. Lee, Daniel J. Maynard, granddaughter Victoria (Tori) B. Maynard, and step-grandchildren,  Aidan L. Pugh and Josephine A. Pugh. Sylvia was born on February 13, 1938 in Baltimore, MD to Salvatore Anello and Anna Cammarata.  She was part of a large Italian family and spent her childhood surrounded by Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. She graduated from Eastern High School in 1956. She remained close to the family despite leaving MD after her marriage to Gordon K. Lee Jr to embark on a military life with 20+years of travel both domestic and abroad.  She excelled at supporting her husband’s career and caring for the children and home. She made Palm Bay, Florida her home in 1978 and began her career in Real Estate. She worked for many years with Pruitt Real Estate and went on to be part of Florida Home Finders and then to Woodlake Realty which she eventually purchased in the late 1980’s. Sylvia dedicated herself to her work but always found time for her family and community. She was active in the Association of Realtors, Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army and City of Palm Bay Advisory Boards. She was proud of her children and grandchildren, you can ask anyone that knew her. She was an excellent cook, and you could always count on food being sent home with you if you ate at her table. Sylvia had a gift of making those she came in contact with feel loved and accepted. She had exceptional insight, always radiated compassion, kindness and understanding toward others, often disregarding her own physical and financial needs.   She always placed others before herself. She loved gift giving and she always received more joy from giving than receiving. Please join us in celebrating her life on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 3pm. Ammen Family Funeral Home, 950 Malabar Road SE, Palm Bay, FL  32907. Giving to others was her greatest joy so in lieu of flowers, please help someone in need or contribute to a charitable organization that helps with people or animal housing needs.