Heather Lee

Heather Marie Lee, 50, of Amsterdam, passed away after a brief, tragic illness on June 25, 2024, at home surrounded in love by her family.

Heather was born in Amsterdam on October 12, 1973, to the late Frank and Virginia Discenza of Amsterdam.

Heather worked since the age of 18 as a Certified Nurses Aide at various locations in Amsterdam with her most recent being the Wilkinson Residential Center. This was so much more than a job for Heather. Her kindness and unwavering dedication showed not only caring and compassion for the sick and elderly she took care of, but a level of love and tenderness that only comes from truly loving and being devoted to what you do.

The staff she worked with were more than co-workers, they were extended family. So many of those friends and coworkers have reached out to say that losing Heather is a huge loss to them, and that they loved and cared for her deeply.

But more important to Heather than working was the role of being a mom and Grandma to her loving family. Heather always put her children before herself. Each of her children will always know without a doubt how much they were loved.  

And then her girls blessed her with MORE GIRLS!  And Heather’s favorite thing in life, being a Grandma, became part of her daily routine. Heather loved providing as many kisses and cuddles and breakfasts as was possible! Grandma was always around to watch over, play, hold and love each one of her beautiful granddaughters.  

Heather is survived by many people who love her and will miss her.  She has her three children, Anthony Lee, Amber Discenza and Ashley Rodriguez. Heather is also survived by her loving Granddaughters, Jacinda Deoleo, Yanaliese Tacardon, Niylah Tacardon, Kaylani Tacardon, Lilly Discenza and Violet Discenza. She is also survived by her long-time partner, Rene Rodriguez, Jr., her sister, Suzanne Discenza and sister- in-law, Beth Richter (Jason); as well as her niece, Taylor Donohue-Aguero (Jake).

I think the way Heather would like to be honored is by having anyone whose life was touched by her gentle spirit to remember her with a smile and kind word and to always, always love your children and grandchildren and think of her each time you kiss and cuddle or share a laugh with those you love.

A memorial service for Heather will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 11am with Fr. Juanito Asprec presiding at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam. 

Online condolences can be made at www.brbsfuneral.com.