Philomena Lee is an Irish woman known for her story of searching for her son, whom she was forced to give up for adoption in the 1950s. She was a resident of a Magdalene asylum, where many unwed mothers were sent to have their children. After years of separation, Philomena began a quest to find her son, which led her to uncover the truth about his life. Her journey gained international attention and was the subject of the book "The Lost Child of Philomena Lee" by Martin Sixsmith, as well as the 2013 film "Philomena," starring Judi Dench. Philomena's story highlights issues of adoption, maternal love, and the impact of societal stigma on women.