LEE, Chow

Chow Lee, born March 7, 1912, passed away peacefully in her sleep, and was born to eternal life in Christ Jesus on April 17, 2004. She was born in Hoi Ping, China, and immigrated to the United States with her husband, Bing Sam Lee, and her eight-year-old son, Chuck Ong Lee in 1938. After living briefly in New York City, the family moved to Globe, Arizona, to be with her father, Dea Gin Foo. For the next 23 years, the family operated a package liquor store before moving to Scottsdale in 1964. In Scottsdale Chow successfully managed a portfolio of securities and real estate investments despite not having any formal education either in China or the US. She is predeceased by her husband, Bing Sam, her eldest son, Chuck, and her youngest son, Paul. She was a devoted mother leaving behind a son, James (Glenna) Lee, and a daughter, Helen (Benny) Yee. She also leaves behind a daughter-in-law, Ruth Lee, and a younger brother, George Dea. She was very proud of her nine grandchildren - Dr. Steve (Alice) Lee, Diane (Garry) Dion, Alicia (Mark) Heiser, Randy (Desiree) Lee, Patricia (Richard) Lueptow, Roger (Karen) Lee, Krystin, Cortney, and Kendall Yee. She especially delighted in her eleven great grandchildren - Gregory and Audrey Lee, Matthew and Kaiden Dion, Connor, Alexa, and Trenten Heiser, Hannah and Kyle Lueptow, Kianna and Ryan Lee. Her family was the biggest legacy she left, and everyone loves and misses her. The funeral service was held at Hansen Mortuay, located at 8314 N. 7th Street in Phoenix. Viewing was followed by a celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chow Lee Family Memorial Scholarship at the Phoenix Chinese Senior Citizens Association, 734 W. Elm Street, Phoenix, AZ 85013. Published in the Arizona Republic on 4/22/2004.