REYNOLDS, LILLIAN
Lillian Atlee “Lee” Crowther Reynolds, 88, of Avalon, NJ passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Philadelphia, PA, to Jean and Lillian (Thompson) Crowther. Lee spent her early years living between the city suburbs and the shore in Avalon, NJ. During World War II, she and her mother lived at the shore. Lee attended the Sanford boarding School in Hockessin, DE, where she excelled at field hockey, lacrosse, loved her horse and formed treasured friendships that became her extended family.
Lee continued her education at Westhampton, the women's college at the University of Richmond in Virginia. There, chance and a bit of boldness, brought her together with William “Bill” Reynolds. Their romance began when Bill vowed to randomly invite the next girl who walked through a campus building door to a school dance; that girl happened to be Lee. After she showed her beautiful smile, she promptly responded, “no way” He persisted and thus began their life of dedication and love. They married on Bill's birthday in Richmond, with friends and family who continued to be in their lives for nearly 70 years of marriage. Bill remains dedicated to Lee from the moment he saw her to the last kiss on her forehead.
Lee's work in Richmond included updating city and county maps and records, while Bill began his career at the Dupont Company. They welcomed their son Scott, in and 7 years later, daughter Kendal. Bill's career moved the family to Chadds Ford, PA in 1969. Lee immersed herself in the community and created an extended family, again, with neighbors and friends, as an active PTA mom, launching the inaugural Chadds Ford Elementary Art Show (still a big event) and helping celebrate the opening of the Brandywine River Museum.
When Bill's career transferred the family to Geneva, Switzerland, Lee embraced the international adventure and Swiss culture and forged lifelong friendships with their Swiss family. Her passion for antiques and travel took them to all countries in Europe and Russia. Upon transferring back to Chadds Ford, Lee opened Mill Run Antiques where her impeccable eye drew customers and friends alike and she remained active in her local community of Pennsbury Township, PA while continuing to travel and enjoy many family vacations.
No matter where life took her, without fail, Lee loved her friends and family, often bringing spirited fun into everyone's life. Every summer of her life, even when she lived abroad, Lee returned to her beloved community in Avalon and made countless memories on the bay, hosting parties, making family style dinners for the neighborhood kids and her beloved front porch gatherings hosting neighbors and friends.
Lee never met a stranger. She was known for her effervescence, laughter, and characteristic candor. Lee will always be remembered for creating beautiful welcoming homes, being a homemaker and her passion for decorating. She loved blue skies, clouds and searching for animals and faces to see in clouds. Lee will be remembered for her beautiful easy smile, adventurous spirit and quick sharp wit. Like all, Lee had her own complexities and always had passion for life's simple joy-finding the best cakes, cream donuts, cinnamon buns, lemon meringue pie, cream chipped beef, egg salad, BBQ, hot dogs, cokes, fabrics, furniture, restoration, or shopping. She kidnapped friends for days of fun and loved to drive fast on back roads, never using maps, cooking without a recipe and always living by her own rules.
Lee is survived by her Husband William “Bill” H. Reynolds; Children Christopher Scott Reynolds (Jamie) and Kendal Reynolds (Colin Dyckman); Grandchildren Lyndsey Landrum (Don) and Jamison “Jay” Reynolds who all called her Macca; step-sister, Michelle Headley Manners and nephew Ross Headley; Cousin Jon Butler (Chris Murphy) and extended cousins; Caregivers Robin S, Naomi G, Jacqueline B; Compassionate Care Hospice; Grand-dogs Olive and Charlie; Kitty-Puss and Baby Doll.
Join us in a Celebration of Lee's life to share favorite memories:
December 2, 2025, 4:00pm
at the Gables Barn Reception Room,
423 Baltimore Pike,
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
A second celebration will occur in Avalon, NJ in June 2026.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of your choice to:
Friends of Avalon Fire Department
Ref: Lee Reynolds
PO Box 361
Avalon, NJ 08202
The Precision Institute
A workforce development for Neurodiverse Adults
ref: Lee Reynolds
2 Righter Parkway, Suite 215
Wilmington, DE 19803
Condolences at
www.radzieta.com
