King Yu Lee's Obituary
King Yu Lee, beloved mother and grandmother, passed peacefully in her sleep on June 26, 2016, in her daughter’s home in Denver, Colorado surrounded by her children. Born in Canton, China on February 8, 1925, she married Tung Sing Lee on October 4, 1948. Having owned and operated an import/export business for several years, King and her husband moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1952, where they built a new life dedicated to the education endeavors and prosperity of their four children.
King was forever devoted to the welfare of her husband and children. She liked to dance, sing, and had a beautiful soprano voice. She was an excellent cook and superb seamstress. As a Chinese mother, she lived for her children and grandchildren’s futures; having sacrificed so much for the future of her children, she did so with grace and without a complaint. King spoke three different languages: Japanese, Chinese and English. She believed that one had to commit to the rigor of an education, but also held the principle that education without values and morals was meaningless. She held and taught the vision that one should not focus on the immediate solution to any given situation. Instead, one should strive for the best long-term solution.
King delighted in coupons, buffets and bargains. Because money was limited, she often took great joy in window shopping on Friday nights. She loved celebrating family dinners with those who meant the most to her. Her favorite book from childhood was A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen and later in life enjoyed the teachings found in Master of Love and Mercy: Cheng Yen by Yu-ing Ching. King’s lifestyle exemplified the values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and respect to the highest degree – values that will forever be remembered and treasured by the many who loved her. Everyone who knew her was touched by her brilliant smile and kindness.
The family wishes to thank the many compassionate caregivers she has had during her life and to Searles Care Home, Tucson, Arizona, and Hospice Care of the Rockies in Denver, Colorado.
King Yu Lee is survived by her children and their spouses –Lim Davis Lee, DDS, Lim Donder Lee, Jeanne Rose Lee, ESQ, (Steven Natali) and Albert Lee ( Kristen), as well as her five cherished and deeply loved grandchildren—Damion Donder LeeNatali (Meg Lafave), Dmitri Davis LeeNatali, Alexandria Serena LeeNatali, Alyssa Klaire Lee and Ethan Erik Lee.
Private services have been held and she is resting next to her husband who preceded her in death in Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona on April 20, 1987.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 West River Road, Tucson, AZ 85704 or to the Tucson Chinese Senior Citizen Association, PO BOX 16525, Tucson, AZ 85732 or to a charity of your choice.
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