by Tom Chillemi –
The body of a 61-year-old woman was found two days after she was reported missing, said Major M.E. Sampson of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO).
Irene Marie Lee of Hartfield was reported missing on Wednesday, December 4, by a family member, said Major Sampson.
MSO investigators talked with family members and viewed video of Lee at the Hartfield 7-Eleven.
Investigators used cell phone software to track her phone to a general location near Route 33 and Regent Road, where investigators and deputies engaged in a foot search of that area and found Lee about 4 p.m. on Friday, December 6.
The Gloucester Sheriff’s Office sent a tracking dog to assist in the search.
Lee had been walking and was known to walk along Regent Road, said Major Sampson. Her residence was about a mile from Route 33.
Foul play is not suspected and the case remains open as do all unattended deaths until findings of an autopsy by the state medical examiner in Richmond are received, said Major Sampson.
“The Lee Family Fund” has been set up at Sonabank for those wishing to help the family with expenses. The account was established by two Middlesex County residents, Aubrina Schryer and Joyce McQueen. Any branch will accept deposits, said Schryer.
In addition, a Go Fund Me account has been set up.
Caitlin Lee, a daughter of Mrs. Lee, expressed her appreciation. “I would like to thank the wonderful community for searching, their prayers and support,” she wrote in an email to the Sentinel. “I didn’t realize until her passing how many people’s lives she touched.
“I would like to thank the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department for its work in finding my mom. Please continue to pray for my sister, our children and me as this is the hardest thing we have ever faced.”
Mrs. Lee was a registered nurse and worked in the chemistry department at Virginia Power (now Dominion Energy) and Newport News Shipbuilding.
