Janet Lee

Lee Janet Lee (formerly known as Janet Lee Grimme) died May 11, 2003 at home with loving and close companion Sharon Grace and her two dogs, Jazz (also known as Binky) and Kinsey (also known as bird beak). Despite suffering a great deal of pain she spoke with and supported other diabetics as they struggled with the same mortality and eventually morbidity. She served on the board of directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota and was Federationist of the Year in 1992. She served as vice president of the board of directors of BLIND, Inc. (an orientation center for newly blinded adults). She was the coordinator for 10 years of the Independent Management for Blindness and Diabetes program at BLIND, Inc. For many years she served as the Vice-president of the Diabetes Action Network of the National Federation of the Blind. She served as a consultant and independent living teacher in rural Minnesota working with blind diabetics. She was repeatedly appointed to the Statewide Independent Living Council and served as co-chair for a period of time. She served on the Rehabilitation Council for the Blind and a number of other committees reporting to that council. The freedom of a white cane and wheelchair made it possible for Janet to understand how the oppression of blindness, disability, racism and poverty made advocacy a daily struggle. In Janet's younger life she was a middle school and high school teacher, college health instructor, emergency medical technician and a corrections counselor. She lived on the street much of her adolescent years and is grateful to Rachel, Carol, Mary Beth, Louis and Susan who taught her the importance of nurturing, advocacy and the importance of undoing oppression. Thank you to all those individuals who respected my work, contributed to my life and recognized the equality of disabled people in life and on the job. No flowers. Memorials to Como Park Conservatory and People's Institute North, 1834 Vermillion Rd., Duluth, MN 55803. Invitations will be sent for a private remembrance gathering for Janet. Cremation Society of MN Mpls 612-825-2435

Published on May 15, 2003