I love Monrovia! I’ve lived here since 1981. My family had a toy store in Old Town for 29 years that I adored – The Dollmakers Kattywompus. It closed in 2020, and I miss it so much. My son, Max Lee, opened a music studio in Old Town in May of 2020 where I teach various instruments, full-time. At some point within the last 20 something years, you would have likely seen our band, Kattywompus String Band, that consists of myself, my Mom, Jennifer, who passed away in 2019, son Max, cousin Marlene, cousin Scott, and now our new addition, Jeff, Marlene’s son, playing music on a Friday night in Old Town Monrovia. We’re still at it! You can now find us in front of 517 S Myrtle Avenue.
Over the years, many of my family members and I have volunteered quite a bit due to the love we have for Monrovia. Next time you are walking down the street on a December afternoon in Old Town, take a look at the beautiful candy canes that line the street and know that’s a gift from the Ranger-Lee- Fitzpatrick family.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I teach music full time. Violin, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Mandolin and voice. I love it so much! My students are the best.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Rudy’s, Sushi Nakata and Merengue
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in Monrovia for 40 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My Mom and my Aunt Pam. My they rest in Peace. They loved their family and this community so much!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Greece to see my other side of the family
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
British Bake-off
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Never give up! You never know what good lies around the bend.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d love to go back to Greece again sometime to visit with my dad’s side of the family, as it’s been years since I’ve seen them.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I have so many!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Dollmakers Kattywompus
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Luckily I get to have lunch with lots of people I love on a regular basis so my answer is: that I’d love to have one more lunch with my Mom.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Old Town Monrovia
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Teaching music and loving life!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love my cats!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Greece
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
December! Christmas Day
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My large and loving family!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Mom
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Peppermint
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family
