Alethea "Lee" Attard

Alethea "Lee" Attard, 91, of Petoskey, Michigan, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on October 30, 2026.

Lee was born February 24, 1935, in Ridgely, Tennessee, and moved to the Metro Detroit area as a teenager. In 1966, she relocated to Northwest Michigan with her two daughters, Virginia and Lora, and lived there for the remainder of her life.

Lee channeled her enterprising spirit and passion for connecting with people into an eclectic career path. She was a server for more than a decade, and at The Pier in Harbor Springs, tables would often request Lee by name - particularly for her tableside flambé service. She had a stint as an entrepreneur, opening the Daisy L clothing store in Petoskey. Lee later found a calling as a healer. She began as a massage therapist at Lockwood-MacDonald before opening her own massage practice, New Life Therapeutic Massage, in 1987. Lee was proud to help clients address their concerns, no matter how challenging. She devoted herself to this work until her retirement in 2018.

Lee was known for her infectious smile, bright voice, and distinctive Southern drawl. Her faith was important to her, and she attended meetings at Petoskey's Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was also an excellent hostess, offering plenty of opportunities for friends and family to enjoy one another's company. Lee's home had visitors almost daily. Her warmth, energy, and zest for life created a welcoming environment, and she touched the lives of many.

She is survived by her daughters, Virginia "Ginny" (Samual) Stanley and Lora (Rick) Ellison; her grandchildren, Dustin, Tara, Laura, Marlee, and Charles; her great-grandson, Gideon; her nieces and nephews, Diane, Tony, and Tim; and countless friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Laverne Fain, and her sister, June Ferack.

At the family's request, there will be no service at this time. Plans for a gathering to celebrate Lee's life will be made at a later date.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.