Lee Conaboy DiCenso
OBITUARY
Once upon a time, I met an angel.
Right away I could tell.
This angel was:
A woman of poise and beauty who could lift people up with her words.
A woman full of empathy and love, whos only goal was to help others to see the best in themselves.
A woman who taught us to walk in others shoes before casting judgement.
A woman who had no patience for greed, egos, or taking advantage of others.
A woman whose smile lit the room, whose laughter was contagious and almost uncontrollable.
A woman whose eye for art and all things of beauty created environments for all to enjoy.
A woman who instilled confidence in both her husband and her son and transformed their lives.
A woman who impacted scores of lives but did it quietly.
Lee Conaboy DiCenso was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on March 3, 1959, and peacefully left our presence on Sunday, February 15 th , 2026. Lee was daughter of James and Mary Lois Conaboy, and is survived by her husband Peter DiCenso, her her son Jay DiCenso, her daughter-in-law Lexi Blevins, her brother Matt Conaboy, and her father-in-law Al DiCenso.
Growing up in Scranton, PA, Lee had the opportunity to spend each summer on the shores of Lake Ariel and enjoy all of nature’s beauty. Throughout her 66 years at the Lake, Lee gained an incredible appreciation for nature, enjoyed numerous outdoor experiences, and built a community of friends around her as she shared her interests and insights with those nearby, as well as with the many friends who visited and got to enjoy her gracious hospitality. As you might imagine, the Lake was Lee’s Happy Place.
After moving to Camp Hill PA, Lee graduated from Cedar Cliff High School and then attended the University of Richmond where she met her husband, Pete. Starstruck by this angel, Pete finally got up the courage and asked Lee out for their first date April 1 st of their Freshman year, and, within 60 days proposed to her. She said YES! His entire life savings of $600 were used to buy the engagement ring of which she proudly wore the rest of her life, rebuffing Pete’s multiple attempts to replace or enhance it throughout their 44 years of marriage. To Lee, real wealth was in her relationships, her friends and her family.
Lee and Pete married in 1982, and both started their careers in the Baltimore area–Lee in Marketing and PR, and Pete in Finance. They started their family with the addition of their son Jay in 1988. As Pete’s career developed, they moved to Northern New Jersey, Dayton Ohio, Raleigh North Carolina, and Mclean Virginia. In each of those locations, Lee was active in volunteer organizations focused on the arts, with her favorite being the McLean Project for the Arts in McLean, Va.
Lee’s greatest enjoyment was being with her son Jay. She enjoyed every moment of his upbringing and took great care to help him build a foundation for life that reflected her values. As Jay matured through adulthood, Lee continued to be very excited at any and every opportunity to be with him. She was definitely a proud Mom. Eight years ago, Lee and Pete moved to the Atlanta Georgia area to be closer to Jay and his wife.
This angel lived life courageously and bravely and leaves a void with everyone that knew her and the many lives she touched.
Once upon a time, I met this angel. Right away, I could tell.
A private Celebration of Life will be held in Atlanta on April 18, 2026, when Lee’s beloved Lillies of the Valley will be blooming. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lee’s favorite charity, The McLean Project for the Arts in Mclean, Virginia. https://mpaart.app.neoncrm.com/forms/dicenso_memorial
Lee Conaboy DiCenso
February 15, 2026