LCDR Marolee Lee Grabiel

LCDR (Retired, U.S. Navy) Marolee "Lee" Grabiel, of Little Rock passed away on Monday, August 5, 2013 in Little Rock. She was born in Little Rock to Owen and Mary Ann Grabiel on April 23, 1947. She was preceded in death by her father, her paternal grandmother, Maud O. Grabiel and maternal grandparents, Verne and Sarah Elizabeth McLaughin. She is survived by her mother, Mary Ann Grabiel; her sister, E. Joanne Grabiel; her beloved aunt, Betty Martin; and a number of very special cousins. Lee was a graduate of Little Rock Central High School Class of 1965 and she graduated from U.A.L.R in 1970 where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She joined the United States Navy in 1971 and attended Officer Candidate School. Later she was selected to attend the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI, from which she graduated in 1982, one of the first women allowed the honor. After retiring in 1992, she made her home Delta, Colo., where she had been a volunteer at Delta Community Memorial Hospital serving as Secretary and later as President of the Volunteer Group. Lee enjoyed travel; good books; playing the piano; and her family and friends, including her very special friend, Daisy Dog. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 9 a.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Ark. followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church with Pastor Kevin Robbins officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church, 1500 N. Mississippi Street, Little Rock Ark. or the Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Col. Glenn Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72210. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.