Elizabeth Lee Gutman

On September 19th, 2024 Elizabeth “Lee” Gutman passed away surrounded by family in Chapel Hill NC.

Lee was born on November 28, 1934, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and relocated to Toronto as a young girl, where she thrived in the embrace of a large, loving extended family. After graduating as valedictorian in 1953, she fearlessly pursued her dreams at the Dorothy Fleming Modeling School, launching an exciting career that included competing in the glamorous 'Miss Canada' contest.

In 1956, Lee set off for London, England, where she modeled Jacques Heim designs at the renowned Harrods department store. Later that year, she returned to Toronto before embarking on an even bolder adventure in Greenwich Village, New York. There, she joined the prestigious Paul Wagner modeling agency, working with fashion giants like Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale's and even modeling in Venezuela for a travelogue. It was at a party in New York City where she met her husband, the late William 'Neil' Gutman, and in February 1959, they moved to Philadelphia, PA.

By the early 1960s, the couple had settled in the Philadelphia suburbs to raise their daughters, but Lee’s photogenic charm remained ever-present. Her radiant smile graced newspapers and newsletters, becoming her signature throughout her life, alongside her deep commitment to charitable work, political causes, and her enduring love of books.

In 1981, Lee earned her associate’s degree in library science, followed by her Bachelor of English from Temple University in 1986. During this time, she worked full-time as the Circulation Desk Supervisor at the Glenside Public Library (1976–1986), offering keen research skills long before the days of Google. Always ready to dive into new pursuits, Lee volunteered with various organizations, including the Philadelphia Flower Show and Friends of the Azalea Garden. She then loved living in Center City Philadelphia, working as a Senior Editor at ASTM International (American Society for Testing Materials), from 1986 until her retirement in 2001.

After retiring, Lee’s vibrant spirit shone through in her volunteer work at the Independent Branch Library, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hospital, the American Heart Association, and many other causes close to her heart. Her love for adventure and travel, both near and far, kept her exploring new places and experiences. In 2016, Lee began a new chapter, moving to Carolina Meadows in Chapel Hill, NC, to be closer to her family. There, she continued her passions for gardening and volunteering, while her radiant smile once again graced countless newsletters. Lee is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Catherine Gutman (Joseph Keidel) of Jacksonville Beach, FL, and Moira Killoran (Todd Hawes) of Hillsborough, NC, along with her adored granddaughters, Leila and Ariel Halperin of Chapel Hill, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart Association or the Carolina Meadows Independent/Assisted Living Library in Chapel Hill, NC. 27517