Rosemary White Lee

MADISON-Rosemary Lee, often described as Madison's "21st Alder," passed away on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015. She was born on Nov. 13, 1937, in Indianapolis, Ind., the daughter of Richard and Rosemary (Whearty) Lee, and moved to her beloved Madison more than 50 years ago. After a long career in the insurance industry, she served in an administrative capacity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison until her retirement. In addition to her professional work, Rosemary served the Madison community through countless hours of voluntarism and activism in City Hall. In recognition of her dedication, Madison Mayor Paul Soglin declared Nov. 13, 2015, her 78th birthday, as "Rosemary Lee Day in Madison." Rosemary volunteered for the Bassett Neighborhood Association/Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc.; Downtown Madison, Inc./Business Improvement District; the Friends of Madison Civic Center; Madison Children's Museum; Madison Literacy Council; Madison Museum of Contemporary Art/Madison Art Center; Madison Repertory Theatre; St. Mary's Hospital; Wisconsin Historical Society; and University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics. Rosemary served on several City of Madison committees, including the Committee on Aging (2013-to the present), Downtown Coordinating Committee (2006-2013), and Vending Oversight Committee (2003-2012). She was the epitome of civic engagement, regularly attending and testifying at City board, commission, committee, and Common Council meetings. Rosemary was always prepared on the issues, having, as she said, "done my homework." Her steady presence in her preferred seat on the left side of the City Council chambers every other Tuesday evening earned her the honorary title of "Twenty-First Alder". Rosemary is survived by her sisters, all of Indianapolis, Ind., Linda Lee, Kate Lee Steele, and Ellen W. Lee (husband, Stephen Dutton); nieces and nephews (for whom she consistently found the most intriguing toys): Lee (wife, Barbara) Steele, Sarah (husband, Jason) Barclay, Patrick Dutton (Jennifer Arney), and Mark (wife, Kristin) Dutton; great-niece, Anne Barclay; and great-nephews, Thomas and Robert Steele, William and Richard "Beau" Barclay, and Miller and Maxwell Dutton. She was preceded in death by her parents. Rosemary was blessed with a wonderful group of friends, whom she treasured. Her family and friends wish to extend special thanks to the staff at Oak Park Place and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate and loving care. A celebration of Rosemary's life will be held at the MADISON CENTRAL LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM (301), 201 W. Mifflin St.,Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016. Memorial contributions can be directed to the Madison Public Library Foundation, 201 West Mifflin St., Madison, WI, 53703. For an insightful look at Rosemary' civic participation, see http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_98641312-35cf-5043-b8c6-e3d44d4e93aa.html. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420