Judy Lee

Judy Lee passed away peacefully at 79, on the evening of January 24th, with her children at her bedside. She was, above all, a woman dedicated to her family: to her husband, her children, and her grandchildren, but also to the extended and ever-expanding Lee family. Born in a small village on the outskirts of Toishan, China, she and her parents fled to Hong Kong when the Communists took over the country. After her mother died, she was raised there by her father and step-mother.

Following graduation from high school, a family friend suggested that Judy and Lawrence Lee, a handsome young American, might make a good match. Lawrence finally met the beautiful 18-year-old Judy Chu when he was in Hong Kong, and neither could have guessed at that first meeting that they would be married for over 59 years and raise three children together. After she immigrated to the U.S., the newlyweds settled into the family home in San Pedro, California.

Judy learned English at the adult school across the street, and her first job was working in the cafeteria at Fifteenth Street School. It wasn't too long before Doris, the first of their three children, was born, quickly followed by Edward, and then, a few years later, by Carol. As busy as she was raising her family and helping out at the family restaurant, Judy always found time to make newcomers to the Chinese community feel welcome. She made friends easily, and one of her favorite pastimes was playing mahjong with them late into the night. In retirement, she loved to travel: returning to Asia, taking short trips to casinos, and cruising with Lawrence and friends.

Whatever her accomplishments, she took the greatest pride in her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and showed her love by cooking their favorite dishes, her grandchildren never tiring of her delicious fried rice. Each of them knew her generous heart and that she loved them dearly.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence; survived by her daughter Doris Lew and her husband, Chuck; her daughter Carol Harris and her husband, Steve; her son, Edward Lee; her brother, Kenny Gee, and wife, Suetling; her grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, Brian, and Sarah; her brother-in-law Bob Lee and wife, Carolyn; her sister-in-law Edna Gordon and husband, Tom; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be held on Friday, February 3rd, at Green Hills Mortuary, 27501 Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, from 3-8 pm., and the funeral service will be held at the same location on February 4th, at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center DSL/Thomas D. Gordon, Chair in Heart Transplantation, 8700 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048


Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275