With profound love and deep respect, we celebrate the life of Ilene “Lee” May Stanton-O’Leary, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She passed away on Jan. 2, 2025, at the age of 78. A proud member of the Klamath, Modoc, and Navajo tribes, Lee was a woman of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family, community, and heritage.
Lee was born on May 1, 1946, and made her home in Oregon City, Oregon, with her beloved husband, Andrew O’Leary. She spent over 25 years working at Nickel Ads in Portland, Ore., where she built lasting friendships and made an impact in the community. She was one of eight siblings and is survived by her sisters, Chris Stanton and Rosie Duran, and her brother, Byron Stanton. She was a loving and supportive aunt to many nieces and nephews, always offering guidance, encouragement, and love.
She leaves behind a cherished family, including her three children, Trina, Christi, and Stephen, along with six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward her strength and wisdom.
A three-time breast cancer survivor, Lee was an advocate and voice of hope for others. As a dedicated member of the Circle of Hope, she worked tirelessly to raise breast cancer awareness among Native American women, speaking at conferences throughout the Northwest and inspiring others with her courage.
Beyond her advocacy, Lee had a deep love for Native American art and was a strong supporter of local artists across the Northwest and Canada. She also had a special place in her heart for powwows, attending them regularly in Oregon and Washington. Her absolute favorite was the Delta Park Powwow, held every June during the Portland Rose Festival. It was a tradition for her to gather her entire family for the event, celebrating culture, unity, and shared traditions.
Lee believed deeply in the importance of bringing people together. In 1990, she started an annual summer picnic for Native families, recognizing that too often, gatherings only happened at funerals. Over the years, this event grew into a beloved tradition, bringing together over 100 people from Klamath Falls, Warm Springs, Pendleton, Grand Ronde, Montana, Siletz, and Washington.
Lee’s legacy is one of love, strength, and service. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched. She will be laid to rest at Brown Cemetery in Beatty, Oregon, in May 2025, next to her son Jackson, finally reunited with her little boy, who was taken too soon. Her wisdom, kindness, and traditions will never be forgotten.
Forever missed, always remembered. Rest in peace, dear Lee.
