Kathleen Anderson Lees ’46

Kathleen Anderson Lees ’46, of Hendersonville, N.C.; Oct. 12. She had a passion for science and a possible career in microbiology until she met her future husband, married, and traveled with him while he was in the service. Settling in Peoria, Ill., she started a family and volunteered in the Peoria community. She was particularly proud of her involvement with American Field Service for Central Illinois, where she would “adopt” high school students from around the world and mentor them for decades—even hosting one of her “formerly adopted kid’s son.” Her commitment to the betterment of the Peoria community led to her recognition in 1975 as the recipient of the Tom Connor Service Award as an outstanding volunteer in the Peoria area. After moving to Hendersonville, she again was involved in the community, helping the underserved Latino community via the United Way and St. James Episcopal Church and serving 19 years with Guardian Ad Litem. She was an active participant and board member at Kanuga Conference Center and was one of the initial organizers of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast in Hendersonville. For this work, she was named Citizen of the Year by the North Carolina Chapter of Social Workers and Distinguished Civitan Citizen of the Year in 2000. The Community Foundation of Henderson County awarded her the 2021 Dorothy Dellinger “Dot” Marlow Philanthropic Catalyst Award and she was also honored that year as the Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation. She enjoyed reading, music, and traveling. She is survived by four children, including son Carlton Lees ’72; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother.