Obituary of Loretta Lee
Loretta (Ngan Kow) Lee, 89, (November 11, 1930 - January 18, 2020) passed on peacefully at the Providence Manor with family at her side. Predeceased by her husband Henry (Kwok Ching) Lee and her parents George (Yuk Lum) Wong and Ann (Ngan Hong) Wong. Remembered by her brother Pak Yat (Ping) Wong and beloved mother to Willy Lee, Sally (Kong) Lo, Tom (Ramona) Lee, Joan (James) Lee, Betty (Francois) Lee-Daigle; treasured Por to Timothy, Elizabeth, Rebecca (Maziar) and Jonathan (Serena) Lo, Benjamin and Emma Lee, Meghan (Dex) Fitzpatrick, Christiaan (Samantha), Mialynn and Sebastien Lee-Daigle and cherished Doh Bak to Lukas and David Sauber and Quinn Lee-Daigle.
Loretta was born in Sun Wui, China emigrating in 1952 to join her husband in the fabled “Gim Sun” (Golden Mountain) of Canada. Loretta led a full life, raising five children, seeing four graduate from university while ensuring Willy reached his full potential in the community. Her spirit of adventure and curious nature did not rest there as she attended night school to improve her English, Kingston Business School, attaining her real estate license in 1971. She actively supported, operated and helped build in the family’s numerous restaurant (e.g. Golden Dragon Restaurant) and real estate holdings. Her happiness was complete when her mother Ann Wong and brother Pak and sister-in-law Ping emigrated to Canada in the 70’s. Loretta remained young at heart nurturing her many grandchildren, volunteering with the Chinese Canadian Association of Kingston and District and especially singing and performing with the Women’s Chinese Choir. Loretta and Henry enthusiastically gave back to their community, welcoming new immigrants and sharing their Chinese culture. They were founding members of the Kingston Chinese Association, supported the establishment of the Chinese Heritage School and first Chinese church in Kingston. They promoted education both in Sun Wui, funding the building of a high school and in Kingston, towards a more inclusive community for the future.
Friends will be received at the James Reid Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 1900 John Counter Blvd. Visitation on Friday, January 31st, 2020 from 5-7 pm and Saturday, February 1st from 12:30-1:30 pm until time of service. Celebration of Life will be held in the Chapel at 1:30 pm. Reception to follow with interment at Cataraqui Cemetery. Memorial donation to the Kingston Community Foundation Henry & Loretta Lee Legacy Fund would be appreciated. Our heartfelt thanks to the caring staff at the Rosewood Retirement Residence, Providence Manor, and special thanks to Fong, Diane, Payam and Kathy.
