Fidencia "Fidie" Ermelinda Lee

Fidencia “Fidie” Ermelinda Lee, 92, died peacefully, and surrounded by family on Monday, April 3, 2017 in her Chino Valley, Arizona home one day before her 93rd birthday. Fidie was born April 4, 1924 in Cebolla, New Mexico, where she was raised by her mother and grandmother, and her step father Zacarias Estrada. At the age of 20, after the untimely passing of her mother, Fidie took on the responsibility of raising her three younger siblings in addition to her three daughters, the first of which was born when Fidie was 21 years old. In April 1958 Fidie met the love of her life, Joe Lee, in a chance encounter at a local dance. In January 1959 the couple moved to Grand Canyon, Arizona , where they had seven more children , five girls and two boys, all of whom were raised in the National Park. In addition to her own children, Fidie impacted the lives of countless other Grand Canyon children as the resident babysitter and de facto day care center over her 32 years living in the National Park. In 1991, after Joe’s retirement from the Grand Canyon School District, the couple moved to Chino Valley, Arizona . In retirement, Fidie enjoyed hosting friends and family and was always quick to serve her famous beans and tortillas. Fidie will be remembered lovingly for her quick wit, devotion to family and friends, and her unwavering faith in the Lord. Fidie is survived by her husband, Joe Lee, and children : daughter Veva (Bob, deceased) Slayton; daughter Annabelle (Ron) Palmer; daughter Geraldine (Danny) Ortiz; son Daniel (Justine) Lee; daughter Bernice (Leo) Shanks; daughter Judy (Greg) Walker; daughter JoEllen (Rob) Mathews; widowed daughter-in- law Cindy Lee Davies; Debbie (Dean) Hookano; daughter Katie (Terry) Thomas ; brother Ramon (Edulia) Estrada; brother Florencio “Flor” (Wanda) Estrada; brother Juan Estrada; 20 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her son, Raymond Lee. Funeral services will be held on April 8, 2017 at the Shrine Of The Ages in Grand Canyon, Arizona. 8:00 AM- Viewing 9:00 AM- Rosary 10:00 AM- Catholic Mass Burial immediately following Mass Reception following burial at Big E. Steakhouse, Tusayan, Arizona Condolences can be sent to the following: Seven Mile Lodge 208 Highway 64 P. O. Box 56 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Fidencia "Fidie" Ermelinda Lee

April 4, 1924 - April 3, 2017