Claire C. Lee, 76, advertising executive

Claire Cobham Lee, a retired advertising executive with tastes that ranged from politics to gardening, died Wednesday, Nov. 29, at her home on Wilton Road West after an extended illness. She was 76, the widow of the late Walter M. Lee, and the mother of two daughters.
Mrs. Lee was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on June 18, 1924, a daughter of the late Emin and Ethel Rundquist Cobham. She grew up in New York City, met her husband in the advertising industry, and they moved from the city to Ridgefield 25 years ago.
She had a long career as an account executive and creative director in advertising. Mrs. Lee was first with S.R. Leon Co. Inc. of New York City and Great Neck, Long Island, N.Y., where she attained the position of vice president. After more than 40 years there, she joined Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals in 1984, and worked there as merchandising manager for consumer products until her retirement in 1992.
“She worked with them at the old high school, and moved with them” to Ridgebury, said her daughter Michael Anne Lee of Stone Mountain, Ga.
Ms. Lee described her mother as “witty, sophisticated, charming and courageous.”
“She chose to die at home,” she said.
In her free time Mrs. Lee enjoyed reading, gardening, her pet cats, and following politics, both national and local.
“She cast her vote,” her daughter said. “Even though she was very sick, she had me take her down there so she could vote in November.”
Her husband died in January 1999.
Beside her daughter from Georgia, survivors include another daughter, Deborah Jean Lee of Westport, Mass., two grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and one nephew.
Private funeral services will be conducted at the convenience of the family.
Contributions in Mrs. Lee’s memory may be made to the Ridgefield VNA, 90 East Ridge, Ridgefield 06877 or to the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital, 24 Stevens Street, Norwalk 06856.