Lee crowned Ms. Senior Mass.

PRIME – October 2013 HOLYOKE, Mass. – Ethel Lee, a retired West Springfield, Mass., police officer, won the title of Ms. Senior Massachusetts on Sept. 8 during the pageant at Holyoke High School. Lee competed against seven fellow contestants in the categories of interview, talent, philosophy of life and evening gown. She captured three of the categories – interview, talent – performing "Orange Colored Sky," and evening gown, modeling a vibrant red creation. The pageant's first runner up was Barbara Friend of Northampton, Mass., a retired teacher and actress who sang "Broadway Baby" from the show, "Follies" by Stephen Songheim. Friend also won best philosophy of life. The second runner up was Jean Haley of Springfield, Mass., a retired teacher of the deaf who interpreted "You Raise Me Up" by the Celtic Women in sign language as her talent. Haley also won the Miss Congeniality award, best introduction and most photogenic. Olga Ellis of Springfield, Mass., was selected as most community involved. Also competing with these contestants were Marilyn Peskin of East Longmeadow, Sandra Grasetti of Agawam, Carolyn Glue of Ware and Beda Polanco of Metheun. Lee was the Dare officer for West Springfield for 10 years. Following her retirement in 2003, she became a full-time jazz singer and now performs regularly throughout Southern New England. She was honored as a woman of distinction by the Girl Scouts of the Pioneer Valley in 2003, and in 2008, won the Ms. Senior American Idol contest. Lee performed for Sen. Edward Brook's public service award and for Gov. Deval Patrick's inauguration ceremony. Her family includes her husband, Wayman, and children Darrell and Adriane. Lee will represent Massachusetts in the 2014 Ms. Senior America pageant in Atlantic City.