Nelda Marlene Lee

Nelda Marlene Benjamin Lee, age 86, of New Albany, PA, went home with our Savior peacefully on Sunday evening, December 29, 2024, surrounded by her family.  

Nelda was born on June 7, 1938, a daughter of the late Grant and Edna Benjamin and was born on Robwood Mountain in Monroe Twp., Bradford County, PA, at their family homestead. She attended one room school houses, and later graduated from Towanda High School in 1956.  

Nelda spent almost her entire working career at Rynveld's Wreath Factory in New Albany. She worked there for 25 years from 1958-1983. Nelda left Rynveld's when her son was tragically killed in an automobile accident on November 20, 1983.  

While working at Rynveld's Nelda met her husband Walter E. Lee and they were married in 1959. They enjoyed 32 years of marriage before Walter’s passing on July 22, 1991. They made their home in New Albany on part of the Lee homestead where Nelda still resided.  

Nelda loved animals and you could find her in the barn taking care of the animals whenever she was able. Nelda was always preparing food for the family either by cooking, canning, freezing, or cutting up a deer or pig for the winter. Our mother was a jack of all trades. She could do anything she set her mind too! Her favorite pass time was sitting by the woodstove drinking a cup of hot Tetley tea! Taking care of the small family farm, working full time, and raising a family, made no time for hobbies. Her whole life revolved around being a great mother to her three children.  

Her grandson Nicholas was her caregiver for the past several years. He was the best caregiver that you could ask for! He made sure his Grandma had everything to make her comfortable, and made her last years the best! We were blessed to have him care for her. 

She is survived by her daughters: Vickie Rhodes of Ulster, PA, and Cindy and George Manuel of New Albany, PA. She is also survived by a sister Judy Hatch of New Albany, PA, and a sister-in-law, Carol Benjamin of New Albany, PA. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Jonathon and Kristin Rhodes Jr. of Ulster, PA, Jessica and Andrew Dutchess of Sayre, PA, Nicholas Lee and Ashley Jackson of New Albany, PA, Nathan Manuel of New Albany, PA, and Mindy and Gary Johnson of Towanda, PA, her great grandchildren: Jonathon Brian Rhodes of Ulster, PA, Natalie Dutchess, Nathan Dutchess, and Nolan Dutchess all of Sayre, PA, Jazzy Manuel of New Albany, PA, and Clayton Johnson and Aubrey Johnson both of Towanda, PA. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Nelda was predeceased by her parents Edna and Grant Benjamin, her husband Walter E. Lee, son Derwin “Kimmie” Lee, sister Daisy Benjamin, brother Judson Benjamin, and son-in-law Jonathon Rhodes Sr. 

Per Nelda’s request there will be no funeral services. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA 18614. 

To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com.