Murielene “Lee” Sausele
Long-time Lynnfield, MA, resident Lee Sausele peacefully passed away June 23, 2022, in Washington, DC, at the age of 99. She and her beloved husband, George J.H. Sausele raised their family at 15 Apple Hill Lane, a home they cherished for 48 years.
Lee was born Murielene Elizabeth Dorsey in Fayette County, West Virginia, on January 4, 1923. She acquired her legendary industrious spirit and vitality in the beautiful rolling hills of the Reynolds farm. After graduating from High School in nearby Richwood, Lee moved to Washington, DC, and worked as a personnel administrator for the Navy Bureau of Ships during the War. One of her work responsibilities at the Bureau was to find those with particular technical expertise to design and develop needed Naval resources here in the States, which is how she met George, an engineer from Brooklyn, NY.
After the war, Lee and George settled first in West Hempstead, NY, and then New Providence, NJ. Work in the computerized photo typesetting field led the family up to New England and settling in Lynnfield. The home there, with its magnificent three acres of woodland, streams, and gardens, became a place of great fun and pride for Lee, employing all her farming experience and understandings.
Along with the housekeeping, endless woodland, yard and garden work, Lee became an avid golfer, winning many tournaments at the Salem Country Club. Continuing their quest for cultural experiences, Lee and George traveled extensively throughout the world.
All through the years, car trips south were family events. In part, Lee’s move to Virginia in 2015 was to be closer to her beloved Mt. Nebo, West Virginia.
Frontal Lobe Dementia was a burden for Lee during her last six years. Yet, as with all her personal challenges, as the disease progressed we would hear her say “I have to do this.” She was always there for us with connecting moments, many remarkably sweet and present. We are all forever grateful for her many capable and courageous doctors, nurses, and loving caretakers. We celebrate her remarkable life. A Memorial Service is planned for early May, 2023. Contributions in honor of Murielene E. Sausele can be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
Lee is survived by her brother, Alfred “Jack” Dorsey; her three daughters, Lynne Sausele Pundt and husband, Hans, Anne Sausele Copp and husband, Murray, and Jean SauseleKnodt and husband, Richard; three grandsons, James Reed and wife, Emily, Christopher Reed and wife, Rebecca, and Nicholas Knodt and wife, Danielle Alexander; and four great grandchildren, Tanner Reed, Hayden Reed, Otto Alexander-Knodt, and Robin Reed.