Catherine Helen Grealish Gilronan Lee was born May 10, 1920, the daughter of Martin and Helen Grealish in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. James Gilronan. She was baptized as an infant in St. Paul and confirmed into the Christian faith at St. Bridgets Catholic Church in DeGraff. She grew up in the De Graff and Benson area and graduated from Benson High School. On September 26, 1944, Catherine was united in marriage to Clarence Rudolph Lee at St. Francis Church in Benson. They were blessed with three children and 64 years of marriage. Clarence passed away in 2008. After their marriage, Catherine worked as a nurses' aid at the Swift County Benson Hospital. She also worked at Northway Grocery. Catherine was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, and the Women's Group there. Among the things she enjoyed doing in her spare time were baking, cooking, dancing, embroidering, bowling, traveling, and camping. She especially enjoyed going to her grandchildren's events. Catherine was called from this life on Monday, May 23, 2011, at Bethesda Heritage Center in Willmar. She attained the age of 91 years, and 13 days. Catherine is survived by her children: Jim (Denia) Lee of Bloomington, Jerry (Betty) Lee of Willmar, and Tom (Marilyn) Lee of Benson; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a sister, Jeanette Hawkinson of Benson; a sister-in-law, Mildred Grealish of St. Paul; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; six brothers; and one sister.
