Lee B. Pirkey, 79, of Wiscasset, died Nov. 7 at her residence.
She was born in Absecon, N.J. on June 23, 1935, a daughter of James S. and Alice B. Ballantine.
She worked for the telephone company in Absecon, N.J. and was a buyer for Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Tex. She was a chef, owner and operator of a restaurant in Killington, Vt. She was employed for the State Park Service in Florida and Alaska; she worked as an antique show manager in Lebanon, N.H. When she moved to Wiscasset, she was an antique dealer at Cabot Mills in Brunswick.
She studied pipe organ and piano, was a lifeguard and taught swimming, an accomplished artist, a master gardener, naturalist, an avid skier, and loved to travel.
She was a member of the Altar Guild at St. James Church in Woodstock, Vt. and started the first Campfire Girls Troop in Dallas, Tex.
She is survived by daughter, Elizabeth P. Graff and husband Theodore W. of Westport Island; sons, Charles W. Pirkey Jr. and wife Susanne of Virginia Beach, Va., Christopher B. Pirkey of West Lebanon, N.H., Bradford F. Pirkey of Woodstock, Vt., and Col. Jonathan L. Pirkey and wife Kasandra of Annapolis, Md.; Fresh Air Fund daughter, Angel Oswald of Scranton, Penn.; sister, Virginia J. Noxon and husband Elwood of Salt Lake City, Utah; grandchildren, Cara, Jessica, Benjamin and Alexandra; one niece; and two nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thurs., Nov. 13 at the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset.
Memorial contributions may be made to Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.
Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High St., Bath.
