Leatrice J. Dratfield

WORCESTER
Leatrice J. Dratfield 1924-2010

Lee was born in Brooklyn and remained a true New Yorker throughout her life. She loved the life of the city, its people, food and neighborhoods. Although illness brought her to Worcester to be near her daughter, Stacy Amaral, she still longed for Broadway.

Lee was a performer from an early age. She sang on the radio show "The Children's Hour" and made her way to Hollywood. The War sent her back to Brooklyn. She never stopped performing, in numerous languages and venues and for all kinds of occasions. Her music brought joy to many.

Along with Stacy, Leachy as she was known to her family leaves two other children, Elizabeth Mitchell and her husband Larry, of Minneapolis, Minnesota and James Dratfield and his wife Chiara Indiani of Carmel, New York, grandchilden, Aaron Amaral, Maria Eugenia Godoy and her husband Carlos Godoy, Molly Mitchell and Finn Dratfield, two great-grandchildren Soledad and Carlos Leo Godoy and many neices and nephews. Among these is Jonathan Kates of Worcester. She also leaves a sister in-laws, cousins and many friends.

Though Lee missed The City she liked Worcester in general and Elm Park in particular. She found a place for herself at the Unitarian Church, especially the Meditation Group and at the Saori Weaving Studio. She also enjoyed her time at the Jewish Community Center's gym. She was a regular at the movies and the library of which she was a great fan.

Lee's family would like to express their deep and wide gratitude to the staff at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, to everyone there but especially those in the South Wing, the Rehabilitation Department and Hospice Care. Their caring and devotion made the last years of Lee's life comfortable and sweet.

A family gathering will be held in the near future in New York according to Lee's wishes. Arrangements in the care of CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. To place an on-line condolence, please visit. www.callahanfay.com