Alice Lee Friedman

September 13, 1930 - January 13, 2021

SAN DIEGO —

Alice “Lee” ( Thompson) Friedman died January 13, 2021, at her home in San Diego, CA. After a long illness, she died peacefully in the presence of her husband and family members. Lee was born in the small town of Lanton, Missouri, located at the edge of the Ozarks in So. MO.

She was born in the home of Dr. Thompson, her Grandfather. Sadly, her mother died very shortly after her birth. She was subsequently raised by her grandparents until she was a teenager, at which time she rejoined her father with his new family.

Lee graduated from Thayer High School, Thayer, MO, in 1949. Following her graduation, she moved to Peoria, IL. She took an entry-level job at Caterpillar Tractor Co. where less than 4 years later, she became the Chief Receptionist for the CEO of Caterpillar. She also did some modeling during this period.

In 1956, after having been apart for five years, she reunited with her longtime high school boyfriend, Bob Friedman, and within 3 hours, they had set their wedding date. Bob’s career eventually brought them to San Diego, where they retired.

Lee was very active on the committee that prepared for the 1984 Olympic Equestrian event, held at the location that became Fairbanks Country Club.

She was also on various committees at Fairbanks Ranch Estates, where she and Bob were one of the original residents. Lee was also very active in the Scripps Encinitas Hospital Auxiliary, serving for 20+ years, eventually becoming Pres. of the Auxiliary Board, where she served for 2 years. Lee was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Encinitas.

Lee’s greatest ambition was to be a loving, caring full-time mother, wife, and homemaker, and this she achieved during her long lifetime.

She is survived by her husband of 63+ years, Robert Lee, and her 4 sons Robert Emerson, Joseph Neal (Michelle), Steven Cantrell (Coleen), and David Lee; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons.

Services for family members only were held at Miramar National Cemetery, January 19. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

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