We Say Goodbye to Sr. Christina Lee, OP
Sister Christina Lee, a Dominican Sister of San Rafael for 78 years, died peacefully on March 9, 2025, surrounded by her community of Sisters. A gifted educator with a love of books, a flair for adventure, and an innate ability to find joy in simple pleasures, Sr. Christina’s zest for life was second only to the amount of gratitude that filled her heart.
Born Irene Clary Lee to Edgar and Ellen Lee in San Francisco, she attended Star of the Sea for a time before relocating to Los Angeles in 1938, settling in Eagle Rock—where she met the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael. Raised as one of six children in a family of faith who enjoyed living near and being involved with parish life and believed firmly in the value of a Catholic education, Sr. Christina was keenly aware of her blessings and relished observing God’s presence in nature and in other people—especially the Sisters.
Sr. Christina attributed her vocation to her mother, to Sr. Francis Raphael Hogan (her third-grade teacher), and to the priests of St. Dominic’s Parish and attributed her love of books and seeking beauty in nature to her father who took her to the library regularly and fostered her an appreciation of art, history, and nature. She had fond memories of fishing with her dad and camping trips, giving her a great appreciation for natural beauty.
Irene became Sister M. Christina when she received the habit on February 12, 1947. She then taught elementary school for thirty-five years and particularly enjoyed the experience of teaching some of her former classmates’ children in the sixth grade at St. Dominic’s in Eagle Rock. Other assignments included St. Raphael’s (San Rafael), St. Anne’s (Lodi), St. John’s (Napa), Holy Rosary (Antioch), St. Leander’s, St. Angela’s (Pacific Grove), San Joaquin Middle School, Annunciation (Stockton), and St. Michael’s (Livermore).
Sister Christina followed her passion for books and became a librarian, a ministry that lasted for the next fifteen years. She ended her active professional years at Our Lady of Mercy School in Daly City, where she was a tremendous asset to the faculty and staff, and even when in retirement, Sister Christina continued to volunteer her services to computerize elementary school libraries throughout Congregational schools.
Sr. Christina lived a life full of much gratitude, for her family, for her vocation, and for travel and adventures—with a highlight being an ancestral pilgrimage to Scotland. With a career in primary education spanning more than 50 years, Sr. Christina’s legacy will live on in the many hearts and minds enriched by her care.
Sr. Christina is predeceased by her parents Edgar and Ellen Lee. She is survived by her sister, Alice, nieces, and many friends; and by her Dominican Sisters.
A Mass of the Resurrection is planned for Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10:00 am in the Dominican Sisters Gathering Space (1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael). The Funeral Mass will be followed by a light lunch. Sister Christina will be buried in St. Dominic’s Cemetery in Benicia around 1:30 pm. All are welcome. Memorial gifts in honor of Sr. Christina Lee may be made to the Retirement Fund, Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, Advancement Office, 1520 Grand Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 or online at www.sanrafaelop.org/get-involved/ways-to-give
Ministries
- 1949 St. Raphael’s, San Rafael
- 1950-54 St. Anne’s, Lodi (Grades 1, 2)
- 1954-57 St. John’s, Napa (Grades 2, 1, 2 & 3)
- 1957-60 Holy Rosary, Antioch (Grades 2, 1)
- 1960-63 St. Leander’s, San Leandro
- 1963-64 Student at Dominican College
- 1964-66 St. Angela’s, Pacific Grove – Superior
- 1966-68 St. Dominic’s, Eagle Rock
- 1968-69 St. Raphael’s, San Rafael
- 1969-70 San Joaquin Middle School, Stockton
- 1970-71 Annunciation School, Stockton (Grade 7)
- 1971-77 St. Dominic’s, Los Angeles (Grade 6)
- 1977-80 San Leander’s, San Leandro (Grade 6)
- 1980-84 St. Michael’s, Livermore Part-time; library
- 1984-2003 Our Lady of Mercy, Daly City, Librarian/Library Volunteer