Joanne Marie Lee

Joanne Marie Lee, 82, formerly of Cape May, New Jersey, passed away on November 5, 2019. Born on July 16, 1937, she was raised in Philadelphia and graduated from Little Flower High School. She moved to Cape May County in 1968 with her husband, Joseph Lee, and her children to fulfill their dream of living “down the shore”.

During the first few years in Cape May County, she and Joe purchased and successfully operated the “Lucky Spot,” a vacation apartments and rooming house, on 25th Street in North Wildwood. In 1974 they bought Cabin City Motel in Cape May, where she would work for the next 40 years. Joanne was a member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Parish in Cold Spring. When health issues surfaced, Joanne reluctantly retired to Jacksonville, Florida in February 2014, but her heart remained in Cape May. She will always be remembered for her commitment to the motel, her incredible work ethic, her strength, humor, and her wit.

Joanne was predeceased by her husband Joseph M. Lee, her sister Kathy McDermott, and many friends and family members whom she dearly missed. She is survived by her five children, Michael Byrne, Diane Byrne Elbe, Timothy Lee, Daniel Lee and Kathi Engler (Jim). She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Joanne’s nephew, John McDermott, was like her sixth child. Her caregiver, Sheila Newbie, became an integral part of her life for the last four years, and for that we are forever grateful. Her friends, (the Golden Girls, as they were known in Florida) and the caring staff at Brookdale Senior Living, helped Joanne enjoy her well-deserved retirement years.

A celebration of Joanne’s life will be held in Cape May at a later date. Condolences will be received at www.dignitymemorial.com