Janet M. Westlee

Janet M. Westlee Janet Marie Westlee (Vasseur, Lee) died on April 15, 2024, surrounded by the loving care of her wife, Judith (Judy) Westlee and her three children, Lin-Sue, Maria and Robert. In many ways, Janet lived an extraordinary life. She was born on February 11, 1941, at their farm in Elk River. Born to parents Lawrence & Marie Vasseur, Janet was the oldest of 17 siblings. Janet was always a worker. From the beginning she helped on the farm, milking cows, crop farming, building and construction, cement work, and all that encompasses a working farm. She graduated from Elk River High School in 1959 and then attended the University of MN. She had a myriad of professions. Janet owned and operated a restaurant with her former spouse, Robert Lee. She then attended the Minnesota School of Massage Therapy and became a massage therapist. Throughout her life she was a fixer, builder, gardener, and activist. Janet decided to join a Lesbian community get together, and Judy hosted the gathering. Janet rang the doorbell and Judy welcomed her in. It seemed to Judy that Janet was more interested in Judy's cat and dog than Judy. That was their introduction to each other. Janet and Judy had a ceremony in June 1994 to complete their union, melding their last names to Westlee. Later, after the legal marriage law in MN passed, they were legally married on September 14, 2013. They had a committed partnership/marriage for nearly 30 years. She always had a smile for those she loved. She had a quick wit even in the sad times. As cousin Ruth said, "Janet had a tough life. She had some struggles, but she pulled through. Life gave her lemons, and she made lemonade. NO, actually she made lemon meringue pie." Janet battled blood cancer for decades and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Mayo Clinic Rochester provided a lot of support and resources over the years. Janet is preceded in death by parents Lawrence and Marie Vasseur, 5 brothers and 1 sister - Vernie, Paul, Steve, Doug, Rose, and Tom, and her former husband, Robert. Janet is survived by her wife, Judith Westlee, three children Lin-Sue Lee, Maria Lee (Aaron Burns), Robert (Jessica) Lee; three grandchildren - Gavin and Kaine Lee, and Hope Schmaltz. She is also survived by 7 sisters and 3 brothers - Eloise, Mary, Verna, Lena, Mike, Linda, Ann, Evelyn, and David - and many cousins, nieces and nephews. "Be kind to one another" is the phrase that Janet used as her voice mail greeting, and she truly meant it. Celebration of Life - Janet Westlee Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Prospect Park United Methodist Church, 22 SE Orlin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414 12-1 pm Visitation 1 pm Celebration of Life/Service Food and beverages will be served after service Parking available at Pratt School parking lot (across street from church)

Tributes

Janet M. Westlee

February 11, 1941 - April 15, 2024

Tributes

Janet M. Westlee

February 11, 1941 - April 15, 2024

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