Marie Schneider Lee, 94, formerly of Cromwell, CT and Guilford, VT, passed away on September 14, 2020 following a short illness. Marie was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 3, 1926 to Raymond and Marie (Zurlinden) Schneider. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 55 years, Thomas F. Lee, Jr. Marie leaves behind her beloved children and grandchildren: Michael (Pat) Lee of Massapequa Park, NY, Beth (Ron) Goodin of Glastonbury, CT, Stephanie Mathews (David Krysztopik) of Madison, CT; Tom Lee III (Jordan Yew), Robert (Sarah) Lee, Harry Goodin, Allie Goodin, Scott Mathews and Erik Mathews. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Marie loved spending time with her family, celebrating their milestones and attending their activities. Marie graduated from St Joseph’s Academy and Notre Dame College in Ohio, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She then moved with her best friend to New York City at age 21 to “seek her fortune” and pursue graduate school and a career in writing. She eventually met Tom and they raised their family in Brooklyn, NY. Marie worked for Standard Oil and Exxon before “retiring” to raise their children. Marie loved acting and was an enthusiastic participant in community theatre, on stage and off, in both New York and Vermont theatre groups. She loved writing and contributed holiday columns to local newspapers in New York, while also journaling most of her life. She was an avid collector of stamps, coins and many other treasures. Marie and Tom frequently visited Vermont and in retirement moved north to Guilford where they lived full time for over 10 years. They loved the people and the beauty of the state and were members of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Putney. Marie moved to Cromwell, CT in 2016 to be closer to her children and grandchildren, and she participated in writing, acting and other activities with newfound friends at Covenant Living of Cromwell. She lived and died on her own terms and remained fiercely independent to the end. Memorial contributions in Marie’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Services will be private and handled by Atamaniuk Funeral Home in Brattleboro. She will be laid to rest with Tom in Guilford VT.