Mary P. Lee, age 74, of Huntingtown, MD passed away February 2, 2016 at Calvert Memorial Hospital. She was born May 29, 1941 in Washington, DC to Walter L. and Mary (Powers) Preller.

Mary loved and enjoyed life. Whether it was spending several hours around the kitchen table playing cards with her family, watching the Washington Redskins on TV, running up and down the sidelines of the soccer field, throwing strikes at the local bowling center, trying her luck in Atlantic City, attending countless school musicals and performances, supporting the men and women in the military, spending time on the Chesapeake Bay in search of the big fish, watching her beloved Maryland Terrapins, and “trucking around campus” with the Mighty Sound of Maryland, she found a way to enjoy life.

Mary dedicated all that she had to helping others. She spent over 40 years at Bowen’s Florist doing what she loved – making someone’s day a little brighter. Whether it was an arrangement for their families’ time in need, a flower for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Birthday, Prom, or just because, Mary took that opportunity to pour her heart and soul into that arrangement.
Mary looked for opportunities to make others feel good about themselves. There were no strangers to Mary, she took each and every encounter with someone as an opportunity to make them better. Everyone she came into contact with, she gave herself unconditionally to their needs. Mary was not about the accomplishments of herself, but the accomplishments of those around her that brought her joy and happiness. Her investments in her friends and family will continue to live on for eternity.

She enjoyed people, music, flowers and especially butterflies. When you find yourself in need of a pick me up, look around at the beauty that surrounds you and you’ll find Mary there to make your day brighter – either the flowers in the ground or that nearby butterfly that just happens to fly by your shoulder. We were the caterpillars in Mary’s life, and the longer she was a part of your life the more beautiful of a butterfly you have become. Spread your wings, fly high, and continue to invest in others, Mary wouldn’t want it any other way. And when you take the time to stop and smell the roses, think of her; and when you see a butterfly know that she is with you always.

Surviving are her husband Norman R. Lee; five sons Kenneth W. Lee, Sr. and his wife Joanne of Huntingtown, MD, Brian K. Lee, Sr., and his wife Annie of Castleton, VA, Christopher D. Lee, Sr. and his wife Carolyn of Lusby, MD Glen A. Lee and his wife Edie of Eldersburg, MD and Walter W. Lee and his wife Amy of Chesapeake, VA; fourteen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; brother Ronald B. Preller and his wife Donna of Olney, MD and sister Phyllis P. Kellner and her husband Eric of Gaithersburg, MD