Carolyn Ann Lee

Carolyn A. Lee, 96, of Swanton, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Carolyn was born on January 9, 1929, to Ethel (Hamilton) Rogers and James Rogers. Throughout her long life, she carried a steady, no-nonsense kind of strength—one that showed up as hard work, quiet kindness, and a way of genuinely caring for people around her. It was simply who she was.  

On September 13, 1952, Carolyn married Donald George Lee – her best friend since age 9 – and together they built a life rooted in devotion and persistence. Soon after marrying, they built their first home, cement block by cement block, on Hoffman Road in Toledo—a story that captures them perfectly: do the work, do it right, and make something that lasts. In 1975, they moved to their forever home in Swanton, where they continued to raise their family and opened their doors to countless friends and loved ones. After Don’s passing in 2000, Carolyn remained in the home she cherished, and she stayed there—surrounded by the care of her family—until her passing.

A proud graduate of the Woodward High School Class of 1947, Carolyn worked her entire life and was proud of it. Outside the home, her work included office administration at the DeVilbiss Company; a Welcome Wagon representative; a bookkeeper at the Swanton House restaurant; server at the Honey Bear ice cream stand, among other positions that piqued her interest. Her longest stint came later in life, spending 24 years with private security companies and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), serving as a screener at Toledo Express Airport (1988–2012). However, her greatest joy may have been mowing those 5 acres in Swanton – at least twice per week in good weather. Carolyn wasn’t built for idleness; she believed in contributing, staying useful, and showing up.

If you walked into a room where Carolyn was, chances are you didn’t stay a stranger for long. She had a gift for making friends everywhere she went, always with a warm smile and a kind word. She had a way of doing the “just right” thing—offering a helping hand, a thoughtful note, a prayer, a funny card at the perfect moment, or a meal that could feed an army. And if you’re picturing her right now, you’re probably seeing her with hot tea in hand—her proverbial fountain of youth. One of her simplest bits of wisdom still lands like a life rule: “Keep your eyes and ears open, not your mouth.”

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don; their infant son, Jeffrey Scott Lee; her siblings: Donna May Rogers, in infancy; Betty Jane Mowrey, Colleen “Crickie” Zawojski, and Charles Rogers; and her brothers-in-law, Robert Lee and Marvin Lee.

She is survived by her children Carole Lee (Bob Pietkowski), Don Lee, and Leasa Hite (Greg); grandchildren Lindsey Jurski (Matt), Jacob Maxx, Holly Maxx, Tara Miller (Brad) and Chad Pietkowski; and great-grandchildren Emma, Olivia, and Carter. Carolyn’s only living sibling is her brother Bob Rogers (Newark, DE) with whom she held daily conversations. Known to many as “Aunt Nan,” she also lovingly helped raise numerous nieces and nephews, leaving lasting memories with each of them. 

There will be a Celebration of Life in Spring 2026, with date and time to be determined. Memorial gifts may be made to a charity or cause close to the donor’s heart. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Ann Lee, please visit our floral store.