Lee E. Townsend was born on January 29,1951. During her high school years, she participated in many clubs and activities. She was active in National Honor Society, Drama Club, Thespian Society, Library Club, Physical Science Seminar, Ski Club, Biology Club and Future Teachers of America. Lee graduated in 1968.
Following high school, Lee enrolled at SUNY Adirondack earning an Associate’s Degree and continued her studies at SUNY Oneonta to complete her Bachelor of Science degree. She began teaching sixth grade at Dorothy Nolan Elementary School in Saratoga Springs in January of 1972, prior to her college graduation in May of that year.
Her thirty-five-year career encompassed positions at Dorothy Nolan, Caroline Street Elementary School, Maple Avenue Middle School, and summer school at the High School. Additionally, Lee worked at a psychological educational program held during the summer at Wood Road School in Ballston Spa.
While teaching Lee continued her own education to obtain her Master of Science at SUNY Plattsburgh. She also took post-graduate courses at SUNY Cortland, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Plattsburgh and a John Hopkins program at RPI. Many of her post-graduate studies centered on science to better serve her students. One of the most unusual was preparing taxidermy for school specimens thus, she became the “queen” of road kill and has been remembered as having preserved mounts in her classrooms.
Lee also became an ardent sailor attending Annapolis Sailing School. Her interest in sailing gave her an opportunity to teach for the Lake George Sailing School. This was eventually incorporated into the YMCA Camp Chingagook sailing program where she was a consultant for their educational component.
She joined the US Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAUX) on May 3, 1990 to continue her quest to assist the boating public. She has held numerous offices including Flotilla Commander, Vice Commander, public affairs, member training, vessel examinations and diversity. Her Coast Guard training has led her to be a coxswain, vessel examiner, telecommunications operator and instructor. She has attended the Coast Guard Academy for leadership training as well.
Lee was a board member for the New York State Outdoor Education Association serving as treasurer. She also served on the board of directors for the Saratoga Springs Federal Credit Union. She participated in the 1993 and 1994 Yellowstone Safari, taking students from 6th through 12th grade on an outdoor camping experience in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.
Her interest in track and field has led her to be an official/referee in different organizations for athletes of all ages including youngsters through masters. She is a Master Official for USATF and a 40-year official for the Capitol District Track Officials serving Section 2.
She serves as an election inspector for Saratoga County, continues friendships with past students and colleagues, officiates, contributes within the USCGAUX and during late winter and early spring does a small bit of making maple syrup.
Lee lives in Wilton with her partner and wife of 40 years, Sharon L. Spaulding and their three dogs and one cat.