Alice Mary Lee

Alice was born in Phoenix on June 7, 1953, to James Walter Raleigh and Millicent Mary Raleigh (Goold). She was raised in Avondale, AZ, where her spirited personality began to take shape early on. Alice attended Avondale Elementary School and Agua Fria High School, where she excelled in music and theater. She was Band President during her senior year and played trumpet in the band throughout high school. She also participated in the drama club, becoming a Thespian and performing in multiple plays.

After high school, Alice attended Arizona State University, where she met the love of her life, Montgomery Lee. They eloped in Payson, AZ, on November 16, 1972, and began building their life together. After Monty completed his bachelor’s degree at ASU, the couple moved to Tucson, where Alice finished her bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona. In 1978, Alice began her teaching career, with several years spent teaching and coaching at Phoenix Union High School.

In the mid-1980’s through the 90’s, Alice devoted herself to raising her children, Allison and Connor. She became involved with the PTSO and her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. As her children grew, Alice returned to teaching, working at Sunrise Mountain High School and Valley Vista High School.

In 2009, Alice was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, a battle she faced with strength and resilience. By 2012, she was cancer-free, having defied the odds. Proud of her victory, she had a vanity license plate that read “ALICF,” which stood for “Alice Lee Is Cancer Free.”

Alice had a remarkable talent for cooking. Whether preparing tamales, greasy tacos, spicy tofu, or standing rib roasts, she took pride in preparing meals for loved ones. Her love of travel, especially with her husband and sisters, also brought her great joy. She was known for her love of a good bargain and could always be counted on to find the best deals, especially during after-holiday sales.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, James and Millicent Raleigh, her beloved husband, Monty, and her older brother, James. She is survived by her daughter, Allison (Lee) Mills (Ben Mills); her son, Connor Lee; her grandson, Oliver Mills; her granddaughter, Violet Mills; her siblings Millie, Jo, Ed, Frank, Katy, Rob, and Mary; and her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A memorial luncheon will be held in early 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local public school.