Elizabeth “Liza” Lee, Former Hockaday Headmistress And Influential Independent School Leader, Remembered After Passing At 83
Elizabeth “Liza” Lee passed away on September 12, 2026, at age 83, leaving a lasting legacy in independent education.
Liza Lee served as Eugene McDermott Headmistress of The Hockaday School from 1990 to 2004 and returned as Interim Headmistress from 2015 to 2017.
During those years, Lee helped expand diversity, introduce block scheduling, and strengthen programs in science, mathematics, technology, arts, and engineering.
Lee also led The Hockaday Tomorrow Campaign, supported major technology investments, and helped establish the Liza Lee Academic Research Center.
Born and raised in New York City, Lee graduated from The Brearley School in 1961, earned a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Holyoke College, and earned a Master of Arts from Columbia University.
A memorial service will take place Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Hockaday School’s Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family Theater, followed by a reception.
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