Lee Hanley Westerberg, 93, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, surrounded by her family and close friends. Lee was born on June 19, 1932, to Jane Hunter Hanley and Myron “Mike” Hanley. She grew up in Evanston, Illinois, alongside her two brothers, the late Richard “Dick” Hanley and her younger brother, Michael Hanley.
Lee attended the University of Colorado before marrying her beloved husband of over 66 years, the late Verne Westerberg. Shortly after college, the couple moved to London, England, where they welcomed their first son, Scott. They later returned to Evanston, where their second son, Stephen, was born. In 1965, the family moved to Old Greenwich, Connecticut, where Lee and Verne resided for over 55 years. Throughout their lives together, they also enjoyed homes in Sydney, Australia; the British Virgin Islands; and Vero Beach, Florida.
Lee had a profound effect on everyone she met. Known for her positive nature, deep empathy, and unwavering kindness, she touched the lives of people from all walks of life. She was a firm believer in the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of race, religion, or social status. A true woman of valor with a heart of gold, Lee was most at home near the water—whether it was the blue of the Caribbean, Sydney Harbor, Long Island Sound or Greenwich Cove.
She is survived by her brother, Michael Hanley (Kathryn) of Washington, D.C.; her sister-in-law, Judy Hanley of Wilmette, Illinois; her sons, Scott Westerberg of Kauai, Hawaii, and Stephen Westerberg (Carolyn) of Old Greenwich, Connecticut; and her three cherished grandchildren, Kyra, Hunter, and James, who proudly called her “Lee-Lee”. She was also a loving aunt to Jenny, Gretchen, Ryan, Connor, and Casey Hanley.
We will miss her sweet smile and warm laugh dearly, holding close her favorite sentiment: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Common Cause, 805 15th Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005.