Sister Marie G. Lee entered into eternal life Feb. 25th at age 100. Daughter of the late August and Ocie (Skelton) Lee. She is survived by her sister Ruth Farrell and nieces Sue Dixon, Janet Hayward, Sandy Swanson, and Diana Yokley. Dear great and great-great aunt and close friend. She was preceded in death by her sisters Mae Sollars, Geneva Emery and Mary Sessions, all of Illinois. Born on Jan. 6, 1910 in Indiana, her family moved to a farm near Latham, IL soon after. Marie received her primary education in a one room schoolhouse. She and her four sisters went to school in a horse and buggy. She began school at age 4 and graduated from Latham High School at age 16. The daughter of a nurse, she attended St. Clara's School of Nursing in Lincoln, Illinois. She graduated as an R.N. in 1929 and came to St. Louis. In 1930 she began work at Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis. In 1932 she joined the Deaconess Sisterhood. She was instrumental in opening the pediatric unit at the hospital. Sr. Marie was the head nurse until the unit closed decades later. She received training in orthopedics in New York City and finished her career as an orthopedic nurse. A tireless volunteer after her retirement, she filled many positions at the hospital from the mailroom, to physical therapy, to Chaplain's assistant. Sr. Marie is believed to be the last active Deaconess Sister in the U.S. In addition to being a vocal, strong-willed advocate for her patients, she was a close friend and confidant to many. Her long life and breadth of experience imparted wisdom that many sought. Always interested in nursing education, she was an inspiration to decades of students at Chamberlain (formerly Deaconess) College of Nursing. Many friends, former patients, and professional contacts are saddened by her passing. No one doubts that she has taken her place in heaven. Those who know her well have no doubt that she will have an opinion on how to run heaven! The family wishes to thank her loyal nurses, close friends and The Deaconess Foundation for the care and love shown to her. Visitation Tue. March 2, 2010 11am to time of service at 1pm from Jay B. Smith Funeral Home Maplewood Chapel 7456 Manchester; Interment St. Peters Cemetery; Tributes at jaybsmith.com;