Victor – Lisa “Lee” Mills-Runyan, 62, of Victor, NY passed away peacefully at home on June 6th, 2020, following a courageous battle with breast cancer. Lee departed this life as she lived – steeped in love, covered by grace, and cared for by her soulmate and husband Dave, cherished family, and friends.
Born and raised in the hamlet of Coldwater in the town of Gates, Lee graduated from Gates Chili High School in 1976 and continued her studies at SUNY Morrisville and Nazareth College. Lee worked at Eastman Kodak Company and at Strong Memorial Hospital, but her truest passion in life was raising her four beloved boys in Fairport, NY. Lee was a gifted counselor, mentor, and truth-teller who profoundly enriched the lives of all who knew her. She was an extraordinary mother, a devoted wife, and a true friend. Lee enjoyed her gardens, designing welcoming spaces, and relaxing at the family’s Clear Lake cottage. Quick to smile, Lee was most content when she was connecting with others, having a good laugh, and caring for her family, dogs included.
Lee is predeceased by her mother, Marion Marx; father, Donald Marx; and sister, Linda Koski. She is survived by her husband, Dave Runyan; children, Daniel Mills and partner Dr. Pooja Desai, Dave Mills and wife Dr. Christine Mills, Derek Runyan Esq. and partner Ryan Manzler, and Jason Runyan.
Lee’s fiercely joyful and generous spirit brightened and inspired everyone around her.
[The] lord said unto [her], Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Matthew 25:23
For those who would like to donate in Lee’s memory, memorials may be made to: the Rochester Breast Cancer Coalition https://bccr.org/.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be a private family burial. A celebration of Lee’s life will take place at a later date.
Comments
23 responses to “Mills-Runyan, Lisa (Marx)”
Rest In Peace my dear friend ..
Thank you guys so much for all of your love, friendship and support in this unbelievably awful time.
I’ve grown up with you both and consider myself one of your kids, in a way. Please know that I will always be a phone call away from helping in anyway. Whether its running to the gas station for icy hot after Keith goes water-skiing, or some heavy lifting (yes, im finally starting my cocid 19 lbs weight loss) I will be there.
You two are the best! Period.
Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. RIP, my beautiful friend.
Trying to capture the meaning of one’s life of 62 years and the profound impact she had on this earth in a few short sentences…Well done. because this site has limitations, if you care to read what I tried to write, click on this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/x4fnyLDs6nr69MzZ9
Lee was a kind person, with a great smile and laugh. She fought hard to beat this disease . She had great hope and a positive attitude. So happy that I got to know her and become friends. My heart goes out to her family. She will be missed.
Thank you for your words, Debi.
I know from many conversations with my mom over the that she viewed you as a dear friend. Thank you for your support.
Looking forward to running into you soon. 🙂
You are such a good sista and we will rememgwr you always as we gather. You will be missed but cherished. Peace to the Mills and Runyan families. Bye for now Lee Lee. Jim and Debbie Wehrle. Xoxo
Beautiful tribute and picture… Lee was stronger and more courageous than she ever knew she could be… I know she has a special place in heaven…watching over all those she loves. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Her spirit will live on …?
Thank you so much, Diane.
I know that you shared so many memories and similarities with her that your friendship was a beautiful bond that grew stronger over the years.
You have been so supportive during her end days. Thank you so much. Call you! 🙂
When I think of Lee, I think of Love and Grace, laughter and a natural warmth and tenderness the world desperately needs. In my first meeting, I knew this was a person I wanted to spend more time with and without a doubt, a person who dearly loved her husband Dave and her children. Lee was taken too soon and our hearts are with her family and dear friends. She leaves a legacy of love and I’m happy to have gotten to know her, even for a short time. She was beautiful, inside and out.
To Dan and family, I am so sorry and saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. I am so glad I got to meet her a few times. She was a great person, and always smiling. She will be truly missed.
Thank you, Katie! My mom always treated our friends like family. I know she always love you, Kelly and of course Alex!
Talk to you soon.
I’m so sorry for your families loss. You are all in my prayers ♥️
Lee’s bright light touched many of us at the Breast Cancer Coalition including me, when she reached out with kindness and concern in my time of need. Rest well, gentle soul.
Dear Dan and Family – We are so sorry to hear of Lee’s passing. We will always remember her charming smile, great sense of humor and her warm generosity to our family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We will remember her fondly.
Thank you, guys. It has been a substantial burden on our family, but we will be O.K.
I hope you are both happy and doing well. I will bring my partner, Pooja, with me the next time I’m in Rochester.
Dave, Dan, Dave, Derek and Jason,
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife and mother. May she rest peacefully.
I am so sorry to hear about Lee’s passing. I never met Lee in-person but only spoke with her on the phone. Even from just 2 phone calls, I was immediately drawn to her honesty and warmth. I was hoping to meet Lee this summer when my family traveled to Clear Lake and am sad I won’t get the chance to. May she rest in peace.
My thoughts & prayers to Dave, Dan, David, Derek & Jason…..We lost wonderful caring woman & heaven has gain a beautiful angel…..
Dave, so sorry for your loss. Just saw this in the paper. You’ve been through a lot. I’m here if you need to talk , you know where I am.
I love you, mom.
Life is so long, and yet, reflecting back on the years I spent with you (almost 32), it feels like a moment. Despite the unbelievable pain of losing you, I feel so much gratitude for the life and friendship we shared. I know that you fought hard these past few years, dodging a diagnosis, and grappling with your “new normal” beat us all down — but we found beauty in it. So recently, when covid19 emerged, and we all were fixated on that, you worsened. You made your last autonomous decision with your loved ones rallied alongside you. I wish you could have shared so many more memories with me on earth, but I know that you’ll guide me in carrying you in my heart, always.
I love you, mom.
Sending you and your family so much love and care. What a funny, direct, and entertaining lady she was. I’ll never forget her! Here for support, or to exchange loving memories in her honor.
Thank you, Laura! It is wild how fast time flies. I know she’s keeping tabs on you from somewhere else 🙂