Wanda M. (Backus) Lee, 67, of DeKalb Junction died unexpectedly on Friday, March 6, 2026 at her home.

Wanda was born July 29, 1958 in Gouverneur, the daughter of the late Frederick E. and Patricia M. (Gengler) Backus. Wanda was a 1976 graduate of Knox-Memorial Central School where she participated in Marching Band. On February 4, 1984, Wanda married Mark Lee. Mark predeceased her on September 29, 2013.

Mark and Wanda managed the Junior/Senior Bowling League at Gray Lanes where they taught numerous children over the years how to bowl, proctored many tournaments and formed many lifelong friendships. Early in Wanda’s working life she was a nurse aide at the Moongate Nursing Home, she was the Manager at the Canton Family Dollar for several years, she babysat for her grandchildren and many local families and was a fixture at the Cascade Inn for many years before retiring.

Wanda followed her children’s and grandchildren’s sports careers and was always their biggest cheerleader. She was famous for her pickled beets, Wanda loved her cats and her dog Sammy. Wanda was an avid Survivor watcher, taking notes to compare with her granddaughter, and in her free time she loved playing solitaire and Candy Crush.

Wanda is survived by her three children, Christa L. (Allen) Rickett of Ogdensburg, Shawn S. Lee of DeKalb and Laci L. Lee (Adam O’Connor) of Portland, ME, grandchildren Patrick Tehonica (Chloe Perrault), Audrianna Tehonica, Ayden Tehonica (Sarah Ward), Cole Rickett (Brooklyn Ashley) and Hailey Rickett. Also surviving are a brother Lawrence (Beverly) Backus of Oswego and sister-in-law Coral Backus.

In addition to her parents Frederick and Patricia and husband Mark, Wanda was predeceased by brothers Frederick and Richard Backus.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Potsdam Humane Society, 17 Madrid Avenue; Potsdam, New York 13676.

Calling hours for Wanda will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the O’Leary Funeral Home, Canton from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Wanda’s family on her memorial page at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Wanda M. Lee are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.