Leatrice Blesser

Leatrice Blesser was born November 17, 1929 to Dora (Schwartz) and Harry Crown in Braddock, Pennsylvania. Her mother and, shortly thereafter, her father passed away when she was quite young, leaving Lee and older siblings, Jeanette, Annabelle and Paul to be raised by their caring aunts. Lee moved to New York City as a young adult, living at the YWCA and working retail. There she met and soon after married William Blesser. They raised two daughters, Danna Michelle Blesser, now deceased, and Bonnie Blesser Roehrs. Her grandson, Nicholas Kawaguchi, has been the light of her life.

Lee was always a lover of the arts. She regularly attended ballet and opera and was passionate about music, especially musicals and show tunes. Lee's love of theater and film led her to star in many community productions. She was even a popular and praised actress well into her eighties in the theater group in her senior community. Lee's talent extended to dancing so that at family gatherings she and Bill Blesser were known for "cutting a rug" and were nicknamed Fred and Ginger. She was also an avid reader and was passionate about politics. Lee was active and youthful throughout her life and did yoga for many years.

Lee formed many cherished long term friendships. She was a devoted mother and sister and adored her family and warm, extended family, who used any excuse to gather, especially at a restaurant. Lee's closest friends and her family affectionately knew her for her flair for bargain hunting, her sharp wit and her carrying and offering a hard boiled egg! She will be terribly missed by so many... her friends, her audience and her loving family.