Mary Louise Russell Vandermeer Lee: A Life of Faith, Love, and Family With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Mary Lee, a shining example of faith, love, and kindness. Mary was born in Scott's Bluff, Nebraska, to loving Christian parents, Mary and Lester Russell. As a young girl, her family moved to Nampa, Idaho, where she was raised in a loving home with her seven siblings: Melvin, Wayne, Carol, Ruth, Lee, Les, and Ralph. Mary's life was a testament to her faith and devotion to her family. She graduated from high school in 1948 from Northwest Nazarene Academy and married James Thomas "Tom" Vandermeer, with whom she raised three beloved sons, Jim, Danny "Dan," and John "Rick" in Boise, Idaho. Together, they made a happy home with countless memories during family camping trips, holiday celebrations, and gatherings. She was a hard worker who held various jobs throughout her life that showcased her work ethic. Mary spent over twenty years managing the historic Hawkins Pac Out drive-in in North Boise and later co-owned the Koffee Pot diner in Nampa with her sister, Ruth Wine. Through her kindness and patience, she made many friendships and earned the respect of those who worked with her. Mary's faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she lived it through her example and service to others. Early on, she was a founding board member at Hillview Church of the Nazarene in Boise, where she helped get the church started, and she was an adored Sunday school teacher. Later, she attended the Bethel Church of the Nazarene in Nampa, where her church family loved her. She also helped with an outreach program at the Via Nueva Church of the Nazarene for several years, teaching lessons to children and delivering them to church on a bus. Mary had a true gift for connecting with people from all walks of life and would often go out of her way to offer a listening ear, a comforting hug, or a special word of encouragement wherever she saw it might be needed. Well after the passing of her first husband, she met and married Jonas Edward Lee, Jr. She welcomed his five adult children into her family, along with many new grandchildren whom she loved as if they were her own. Mary and Jonas lived an enriched life with a shared love for family and faith, and they remained happily married for over thirty-three years, until Jonas' passing in 2020. She was a devoted grandmother who played an active role in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She attended countless sporting and school events where she cheered her family on as one of their biggest fans. Many of her grandchildren have cherished memories of their time spent with her, including visits to the family farm in Mountain Home, where she spoiled them with her love and affection. Mary lived her final days as a resident of Streamside Assisted Living in Nampa, where she continued to share her love for people by making her daily rounds to visit with other residents, newcomers, and staff members. She often commented that she was well-loved and cared for by the staff and was often referred to as a favorite resident. Her family is grateful for the care she received during this time in her life. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many, and the legacy she leaves is one of love, kindness, and selflessness. While her passing leaves a hole in the lives of all those who knew and loved her, we can find comfort in knowing she is now rejoicing in heaven with her family, and her love and devotion will continue to inspire and uplift us. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Lester Russell, and her husbands, Tom Vandermeer and Jonas Lee. She was also preceded in death by her son, Dan Vandermeer (Tim); stepson, David Lee (Charlotte); brothers Melvin, Lee (Bonnie), Les, and Ralph (Donna) Russell; and sister-in-law, Bev Russell. She is survived by her sons, Jim Vandermeer (Diane) and John "Rick" Vandermeer (Alice); stepson, Michael Lee (Deana); stepdaughters, Debra Harder (David), Vickie Dahlin (Steven), Laura Roher; brother, Wayne Russell; sisters, Ruth Wine and Carol Bowers (Jim); grandchildren, Steve Vandermeer (Tanya), Nikki Vandermeer-Wright (Dan), Dustin Vandermeer, Angie Mori (Dustin), and Heather Lund (Jeremy); and numerous great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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