Anderson's Mary Jo Lee touched countless lives in fight against domestic violence

Ken de la Bastide, The Herald Bulletin, Anderson, Ind.
·2 min read
1

Apr. 10—ANDERSON — When domestic violence was not normally discussed in public, Mary Jo Lee made the Madison County community aware it existed and how it could be curbed.

Lee, 76, passed away on Easter Sunday but she will be remembered for many years of service to the community.

Lee served as CEO for Alternatives Inc. and was instrumental in opening the first domestic violence shelter in Anderson.

Those efforts eventually resulted in a new building on the Community Hospital of Anderson campus, which is also home to the Sexual Assault Treatment Center.

"The passing of Mary Jo Lee was truly a sad day for Anderson," Mayor Thomas Broderick Jr. said. "Our thoughts and prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to her family and community of friends.

"Mary Jo was instrumental in the continuing success of Alternatives, where she served with distinction as the CEO for over 25 years," he said. "Mary Jo worked and fought every day to protect victims of domestic and sexual abuse and her mission and passion was to create a world where everyone could live a peaceful and happy life."

Broderick said that because of her efforts countless lives were made better and her love and passion made Anderson and Madison County a better place to live.

"The legacy of her work and love will continue thanks to her life-long dedication to others," he said.

Andrew Hanna, chief deputy in the Madison County Prosecutor's office said Lee dedicated her life to helping survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

"Her vision was ahead of her time, and she helped our community be on the forefront of advocacy in the State of Indiana," Hanna said. "We can best honor her memory by holding true to her mission of holding abusers accountable and lending a hand up to those less fortunate."

Holly Renz said her relationship with Lee goes back many years.

Renz said that when Alternatives was located on West Tenth Street, a chance meeting with Lee opened up a new opportunity.

"It was a fluke how it came to be," Renz said. "When I learned Alternatives was building a new facility, I said it would be great to have the Sexual Assault Treatment Center in the facility.

"I think we can do that," Renz said was Lee's response. "She was a big part of getting it done."

Renz said Lee had the architect design the space, and the combined Anderson facility is the only one in the state.

"She was a beautiful soul," Renz said. "You always had a nice conversation and always left uplifted. Her focus was on women and children for their safety and empowering them."

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.