Judith Ann Lee passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013, in Santa Barbara, California at the age of 76. She went peacefully doing something she loved, as she was preparing flowers for the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show.

Judy was born September 30, 1936, in San Francisco, California, and raised in Glendale, a California native. After high school she became a stewardess on those daring propeller planes that went over water from California to Hawaii on an airline that later became part of United Airlines. Hawaii beckoned and she went to college at the University of Hawaii, but soon netted the roller skating bartending bachelor, Lt Ralph Lee. The 5th engagement was the charm for him. They were married on November 16, 1957, in Hawaii. Five months later, with Judy in the early stages of pregnancy, the Air Force relocated them in style to California by cruise ship because, at that time, it was deemed dangerous for pregnant women to fly. Their lifetime adventure in the Air Force carried them across the globe, from California to Rhode Island to Okinawa and many places in-between.

Following 28 years of traveling the world, Ralph retired from the Air Force as a Colonel and Judy as a proud military wife. After a brief sojourn in Tucson, Arizona (Judy loved that dry heat), they made Vandenberg Village their permanent home. Judy was very involved as a docent at La Purisima Mission for many years where she especially enjoyed working in the garden and creating beautiful cacti centerpieces for many of the special events held at the Mission. Her love of flowers led to her membership in the Costal Valley Orchid Society, and an ever growing collection of orchid plants.

Judy's biggest passion though was helping the helpless. For over 20 years she was an active member of Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals (VIVA). Her huge heart and desire to make a difference led to countless hours spent caring for homeless cats available for adoption, with more than a few cats living their life out in her house.

Those closest to her know that she loved all animals and never met an animal she wouldn't feed- bird, furry or human. You only needed to drive through the Village and see the house with the row of birds lined up on the wires above the house, not so patiently waiting for their daily snacks. The boyfriends and husbands of her girls used to call her a 'stewardess gone crazy' because she always trying to feed them. A great cook, this also made her the permanent hostess for all the Orchid Society meetings. She also spent much of her time trotting around the U.S. visiting all of her kids and grandkids, crocheting afghans in crazy colors, and cooking everyone's favorites.

She is survived by her seven children, Starr Lee Martines (Joe) of Atascadero California, Shaula Lee of Longmont, Colorado, Gienah Forbes (Steve) of Merrimack, New Hampshire, Kyle Lee (Courtney) of Melbourne, Florida, Kerry Lee (Amanda) of Seattle Washington, Kelly Lee (Abram) of Sunset Valley, Texas and Carinae Samsel (Ron) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, 20 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by Ralph on March 3, 1996.

The wake will be held from 4pm to 8pm at Starbuck Lind Mortuary, 123 North A Street in Lompoc. Funeral services will be held at 10am Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, 3495 Rucker Road in Lompoc with a reception to follow the services at the church reception area. The burial will be at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with Ralph.

Along with her family, her extended family of Ralph's kin and friends from all her relocations, her many friends at VIVA, the Orchid Society, the Mission and in the community will miss her ever-lively spirit. In-lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Volunteers For Inter-Valley Animals (VIVA). Donations can be mailed to VIVA, PO Box 896, Lompoc, CA 93438, hand delivered to 133 North D St, Lompoc CA, (805)735-6741, or online www.vivaonline.org.