Lee (Lefter) Christian

York, Maine-Lee Christian (born Vasilopula “Vaso” Lefter), 87,  died on Wednesday, October 25th 2017 at home.  She was born on the Turkish Island of Imroz to Demitri and Periskevi  Lefter.  She grew up on the family farm helping to grow almonds and figs and to raise sheep. She left home at an early age to travel and work.  While working in Istanbul as an au pair for diplomats and dignitaries she met her future husband Francis Christian at the American Embassy. Soon after, Francis was transferred and they made a date to meet at the embassy in Munich Germany in one year. The date was kept and the two married three weeks later in 1963. Francis and she would go on to travel the world. They had a son Joseph in 1966, on the military base in Tripoli, Libya.  The family then moved to York, Maine, where Lee and Francis spent the remaining 44 years of their marriage. Under the presidency of Jimmy Carter, Vasilopula was granted citizenship and she took the opportunity to shorten her name to “Lee”.

Lee made a home for Joseph, her mother, and later took care of Francis there for the many years he was ill. She helped those less fortunate, especially children in need, sponsoring several children for operation Smile. Lee loved gardening at her home in York Village.  It was her joy to be in her yard with her cats.  She and her most loved cat Miss Molly would walk (unleashed) around the neighborhood daily. Lee resumed traveling after her husband passed in 2007; she visited Australia, Greece, Canada, much of Europe and the US.

In 2011, her son Joseph married Darcy DiGiulio, and in 2013, Lee became a grandmother.   Calista Christian, her granddaughter, was a treasure to Lee - the result of many wishes and wants fulfilled.

Lee cooked for family and friends throughout her life.  She shared her homemade grape leaves (dolmas), pies and cakes, and homegrown onions, tomatoes and green beans with loved ones.   Lee knit sweaters as a pastime and was an avid Bingo player.

Lee leaves her son, Joseph J. Christian, daughter in law, Darcy DiGiulio Christian, and granddaughter, Calista Christian. Lee was predeceased by her husband, Francis J. Christian and their children:  Patricia M. Christian and Michael Patrick Christian.

A funeral service will take place at 11am on Monday, Oct. 30th in St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Portsmouth. Calling hours  will be held from 1 to 3 pm on Sunday in the Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, 91 Long Sands Rd., York, Maine. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the York Fire Dept. or the York Police Dept. Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com

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