Lee died in palliative care at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Ottawa on December 30, 2024, following the recurrence of a rare cancer. Her caregivers agreed she was a remarkably sweet and beautiful patient.
Lee was born on March 24, 1961 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Theresa and Douglas Beatty. She is survived by her devoted husband Jim Lahey, and by her sister Janet Cottrill, and her brother Wesley Beatty and his wife Cindy McEwen. She was very fond as well of her niece Cacey Cottrill, and her nephews, Chad, Kurt and Nigel Beatty, and Nathan Little.
Lee grew up in Oakville, Ontario. She studied at Guelph, Toronto, and Queen’s universities, where she completed a BA and a Masters in Public Administration. She moved to Ottawa in 1993, when she joined the federal public service. Her career included working at the Treasury Board Secretariat as a senior program analyst, and at the Canada Border Services Agency, most notably supporting the arming of border guards.
Lee was an intensely active athlete in her youth: a decorated middle-distance runner, and a pioneer in competitive women’s soccer. She was an avid skier in Banff and Whistler in her twenties. Water sports were a passion throughout her life.
Lee overcame multiple major illnesses. She recovered from Hodgkins Lymphoma in the early 1990s, and managed to regain her mobility after a bout of Neuromyelitis Optica in 2011.
Despite these setbacks, Lee was determined to live fully. She was curious and eager to learn, even taking up Japanese in her last years. Her love of art made her attire a model of fine taste, and the walls of her home became a personal gallery. She was a formidable knitter, producing many Fair Isle sweaters and toques. Friends and family appreciated her happy mixture of kindness and fearless views. She passed much too soon. Still, her memory will inspire many.
Cremation has taken place. A private commemoration will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, in Ottawa. Friends are invited to leave a message by clicking on the digital guestbook tab on the left of this page. Donations in Lee’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society should assist with research into cancers that affect women especially.
Digital Guestbook
Cindy McEwen
David Swayze
Lee was a lovely spirit, - bright, brave, principled, compassionate, curious and fun. Whether discussing books, music, travel, or the state of the federal public service, or working puzzles together, Lee was always good company. She bore her health challenges with admirable grace, hope and good humour.
Lee was a good friend to me and a model public servant, dedicated to serving the public good. It was my privilege and delight to know her.
Carole ALPHONSO
I am so sorry to hear about Lee’s passing. She was a wonderful person, smart, creative, caring and so generous. She had a great sensibility and has greatly impacted my life. My most sincere condolences
Lynn MacFarlane
Lee and I were colleagues at Treasury Board. She was a model of resilience and loved her life. My sincere condolences to Jim and Lee’s family.
Katie Durling
My deepest condolences to you Jim and Lee’s family. I have so many wonderful memories of Lee from my early years living in Ottawa. I worked for her at TBS and she a wonderful mentor to me. She introduced me to the St Laurent and Hill gallery and thought me about art. She was effortlessly elegant and kind. I will miss her. Rest in peace Lee.
Maret Swayze
Lee was a gentle, wicked smart, interesting, and gifted soul. She met her many challenges with focus and grace, time was not kind to her. We shared common interests and an occupation with colour work knitting, a demanding and magical craft. I will miss my conversations with Lee. She still had so much left to give.
Bill Cheetham
Lee was a wonderful cousin who had a heart of giving. She thought nothing of loaning me her beloved Beetle when l was in Oakville. Janice and I send our condolences and prayers to the family
Lee was a beautiful person inside and out. She was a wonderful sister in law and will always hold a special place in my heart. She took a keen interest in being an aunt and great aunt. She always went above and beyond and had some incredible interests and talents. One of her most recent was a hand knitted creation of frog and toad for her great nephew and niece. I will sure miss our conversations Lee. Sorry to see you go so soon. You were a gracious fighter & and am glad you get to rest now. May you rest in peace Lee. Much ❤️ Love, Cindy