LEE Mary Patricia (Dillon), 79, of Avon-by-the-Sea died Sunday, February 26, 2012 at home surrounded by her loving and devoted family. Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Mary lived in Glen Rock for 38 years before moving to Avon 11 years ago. Mary was a graduate of Holy Name School of Nursing, Teaneck, NJ and for her nearly 40 years as a registered nurse dedicated herself passionately and joyfully to the care of her patients. She had a long and devoted career at Pollack Hospital in Jersey City, Bayonne Hospital, Ridgewood School System, and for the last 21 years of her professional journey at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. A reverent and devout Catholic, Mary was a parishioner of St. Catharine's Church, Glen Rock, NJ and St. Elizabeth's Church, Avon, NJ. She supported through time, treasure and talent the Catholic schools that her children and grandchildren attended over the years. She inculcated in her extended family a deep dedication to Catholic education.Mary was a voracious reader, passing on to her children and grandchildren the exhilaration and replenishment that comes from an immersion in literature. Mary had many memorable moments with her friends and family traveling throughout the United States and Europe and spending time at the Avon beach. Her great joy was her family on whom she showered her loving devotion and serene grace.Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband and soulmate, John F. Lee Jr. in 2001. She was the precious daughter of the late William and Ruth Dillon and a treasured sister of her late brothers-in-law, Thomas and Joseph Lee. Surviving are her cherished children; Mary Ann Christopher and her husband George of Avon, William Lee and his wife Ann Marie of Wyckoff, NJ, James Lee and his wife Elizabeth of Glen Rock, NJ, Elizabeth Bache and her husband Christopher of Avon. She leaves a rich legacy in the pride and joy of her life - her eleven grandchildren; John, Mary Catherine, Caroline, James, Sean, Megan, Matthew, Mary Beth, Emily, Patrick and Michael. Mary also leaves the brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law whom she loved so much - Rosemary Lee, Robert and Patricia Lee, Barbara and George Hilla, Donald Lee, Ann Marie and Peter Fabriele, Mary Lee and Roberto Montesinos, and Judith Lee. She will be missed by her many loving nieces and nephews. Mary derived great contentment in caring for her two cats, Kitty and Charlie.Visiting will be Wednesday, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the O'Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall. A Funeral Mass will be offered Thursday, 9:30 AM at St. Catharine's Church, Spring Lake. Burial will follow in Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes, NJ.For more information or to send condolences please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Avon First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 3, Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ 07717 or to VNA Health Group, 176 Riverside Avenue Red Bank, NJ 07701 or to St. Catharine School Educational Fund (c/o Sr. Margo) Second Avenue Spring Lake, NJ.