Timothy Paul Lee

Timothy Paul Lee, 65, devoted partner of Naomi Pinson, died after a short illness on Sunday, July 11, 2021 near his home in Framingham, MA. A lifelong learner, Tim advocated passionately for any underdog as a humanist who valued all people regardless of background or social status.

The eldest of four children of the late Edgar Lee and Florence (Yee Quil) Lee, Tim grew up in Wayland, MA. A graduate of Brandeis University with a degree in Sociology and Psychology, Tim also studied pre-medicine at Boston University, the psychology of clinical hypnotism with various teachers. An avid linguist, he taught himself both Russian and Spanish language.

Tim had a successful clinical hypnosis business. Additionally, he worked as a neurological research assistant at Boston University and served as a certified Emergency Medical Technician since 1986. His recent work centered on Advocates (Framingham), a champion organization for people facing mental health, developmental, or other life challenges. He served at Advocates for many years as a Board member, Clerk and as a Computer Technical Consultant, ensuring that those with need had access to technology. Tim also served as a Board member for the MA chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (Secretary), the MA Legal Assistance Corporation and the Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association. Tim also founded MassACT (Advocating for Change Together), an independent organization of patients, ex-patients and their allies, who advocate for those under psychiatric treatment in forced or locked situations. He also served as Commissioner and Secretary for the Framingham Human Relations Committee. An intellectually curious mind, Tim dedicated as much of his time as he was able to serving others in need.

Tim experienced life-long mental illness since his diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia the early 1980s. He spent much time in and out of hospitals in search of the most appropriate medications and psychosocial support, until Advocates helped to coordinate and support his goal to live stably and independently for the remainder of his life. He succeeded in that goal with the loving support of his family and of Advocates.

Tim leaves behind Naomi Pinson (Framingham, MA), his common-law wife, committed partner and significant other, along with her children Yosano DiGenti, Jamie McInerney and Chloe McInerney Potter. He is also survived by his siblings Lauren Lochrie (Leonard) of Lowell, MA, Terence Lee of South Boston, MA and Robin Foley (Peter) of Harvard, MA along with his nieces Julia, Charlotte and Caitriona Foley and several cousins. His avid curiosity and thoughtful conversational spirit will be missed by all, including extended family, grandchildren and Jenny Jewel, rescue kitty extraordinaire.

A private burial will be arranged at Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland, MA.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Advocates https://www.advocates.org/support-advocates EIN: 23-7451423 or to the Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/supportvlp EIN: 22-2486215.