Nina Lee

Nina Lee, age 86, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 2, 1939, in Indianapolis, Nina Grace was the beloved daughter of the late George and Mary Bower, Sr. of Bloomington. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, J Carlyle Lee; her cherished grandson, Andrew Joseph Mirer, her cherished great-granddaughter, Nina Grace Mirer, and her older brother, George Lee Bower. Nina is survived by her five devoted children: Jayna (Dan) Mirer, Michele (Rob) Nugen, David (Sandy) Lee, Deborah (Jeffrey) Bundy, and Stephen Lee; her 14 grandchildren: Austin (Sara) Mirer, Carolyn Mirer; Jacob (Courtney) Nugen, Emily (Johnny) Franck; Ryan (Becca) Lee, Kevin Lee, Steven (Marilyn) Lee; Hannah, Ethan, and Jackson Bundy; Caleb Gosse, Cooper, Nicholas, and Noelle Lee; her great-grandchildren: Eleanor and Declan Mirer and Jameson Nugen. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Freeman; her brother, William Bower; and numerous nieces and nephews. Nina was attending Purdue University to study architecture when she met J and married him in 1961. While supporting her husband in his new business, Nina sacrificed much as a stay-at-home mom raising five kids. She put her children first, cooking favorite meals; hosting parties, sleep overs, and youth groups; establishing traditions, and turning her home into a welcome center for neighborhood kids. Eager to learn, Nina was an avid reader and Sudoku enthusiast. Her favorite book was the Bible, which she enjoyed studying with friends. Volunteering as a librarian, she shared her love of reading with children at Rogers School and with inmates at the Monroe County Jail. Nina’s creativity was evident in every corner of her life - from her skillful sewing, oil paintings, and warm, welcoming kitchen. She used her talent as a blessing and gift to many family members and friends - painting murals for her grandkids, making costumes, and designing and sewing dresses for dances, proms, and weddings. She delighted in bringing beauty to people’s lives. Nina’s love for Jesus Christ, her Savior and Lord, motivated her to live a life of giving. She was sacrificial with a servant’s heart - a woman whose hospitality met needs and left a lasting impact. Whether you needed a bed, a meal, something sewn, or a listening ear, her home and heart were always open. She had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh that drew you to her and made you smile, even in her last days. She was the unsung hero of her family. A service celebrating Nina’s life will be held on September 20th at 11 AM at Emmanuel Church, 1503 W. That Road, Bloomington, IN. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to be given to Samaritan’s Purse in honor of Nina’s lifelong commitment to faith, service, and community.

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Nina Lee

March 2, 1939 - August 27, 2025