August 20, 1926 - March 2, 2023
Ellen N.W. Lee - Extraordinary person, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
“Ellen” N. W. Yee, age 96, peacefully passed away on March 2, 2023, in Lodi, CA. She was born August 20, 1926, in the rural district of Toishan (Taishan) in Canton (Guangzhou) China. She completed 9th grade, the highest education opportunity offered at the time. She was a gifted, diligent and accomplished student; academically and athletically.
Ellen married “Stanley” D.N. Lee on April 18,1949 and immigrated to the United States in December. They left Hong Kong, flew to Singapore, then to Hawaii, continuing by ship to San Francisco. Next they traveled by train to Chicago and onto their final destination, New York City; arriving on snowy Christmas Eve. The newlyweds celebrated by going out for dinner on Christmas Day! And of course, only Chinese restaurants are open on Christmas Day. How fortuitous!
Without formal U.S. educations or English language skills, they started a small laundry business (The Good Earth) where the couple worked closely together. Conditions and hours were difficult and profits marginal but they persevered and soon opened a second location. Simultaneously, they started their young family of four children; Danny, Jenny, Nancy and Ray, respectively born in 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1954.
In 1959, changing socio-economic factors guided the family to move westward to San Francisco and Stanley began working at Lodi Supermarket. He worked six days a week and traveled to San Francisco on Sunday (his only day-off) to visit his family. In the meantime, Ellen lovingly raised their children in a small Chinatown apartment and attended night-school to further develop her English. In 1960, they purchased a small home in Lodi and the entire family moved in together. Over time, friendships were fostered and business grew; expanding to create Giant Food Supermarket in Stockton, Westgate Plaza in Lodi and Foodland in San Francisco.
Amidst a journey of hardship, uncertainty and financial instability, Ellen and Stanley created a joyous life in Lodi. Ellen impacted many and led a committed and productive life with immense determination, courage and generosity; instilling kindness upon everyone she met. With much will, bravery and adaptive intellect, she overcame numerous life obstacles set against her. She worked, saved and invested her time and resources in many things; but most importantly, her family, friends and community.
Later in life after her four children finished their university educations, the couple traveled throughout Asia and North America; forever grateful for the wondrous opportunities and people they met in Lodi and throughout their grand life adventure. Ellen loved spending time in the kitchen creating delicious meals. Family and friends would gather around the kitchen table for several courses of home-cooked Chinese food; always leaving with happy hearts and very full stomachs. She also enjoyed spending time in her garden and visiting with her two great-grandchildren.
Ellen is preceded in death by her loving husband, Stanley Lee (1994), father, Yee Hall Long (1976), mother, Shui Wah Long (2009), brother, Francisco Yee (1975) and daughter-in-law, Colleen Lee (2021). She is survived by Danny Lee of Sparks, Nevada, Jenny and Eric Young of Elk Grove, Nancy and Calvin Morita of Lodi, (grandchildren Christopher Morita and Jennifer and Luan Nguyen, great-grandchildren Kaylee and Callen Nguyen) and Ray and Janie Lee of Medina, WA (and grandchildren, Matthew, London and Alex Lee).
SERVICE:
A funeral service will be held at Cherokee Memorial on March 22, 2023, at 14165 Beckman Road, Lodi with visitation beginning at 12 pm and service at 1pm.