Ethel Lou Yee
October 29, 1929 - April 15, 2011
Obituary
Ethel L. Yee, 81, departed on April 15, 2011. She was born to May Chinn and Yee Lou in Seattle, WA, and lived in China as a child. Returning to the U.S. as a teenager, she met her future husband, Samuel, through her sister Helen, and his Navy pal, Kenneth Chinn. The family lived in California from 1956 – 1966, then she and Sam moved back to California from 1970 – 1978, and she worked at Boeing until 1992.
Ethel was a joy to be around, so full of life and humor. She loved people so, and generously gave of herself, without regard for herself. She was a second mother to many. She was self-taught and incredibly proficient in knitting and sewing. She excelled at cooking and was passionate about gardening. She had a phenomenal memory. She was all-knowing, yet innocent in the best way. Incredibly intelligent and perceptive, the truth would never evade her. How we miss her her caring ways, her Chinese philosophy, her wisdom and advice. May she be at peace from worldly ills, and may we hope to be united with her again someday. Ethel Oui, we miss you so much and send you our love.
More About Ethel Oui From Stephanie, Her Daughter
To those of you who knew her, you know how energetic, vibrant, colorful, humorous, smart, and just plain fun she was.
She was bigger than life, in large measure due to her amazing memory and her love. Did you know that her Chinese name, Oui, means
love? She not only would remember your phone numbers by heart, but everyone’s birthday, and had a built-in ‘Yahoo-map and driving directions memory’ for finding you at home to visit. I was always amused because she’d let me know on any given date whose birthday it was–meaning she was thinking of that person all day long. With her huge capacity for retention, she served as an able and reliable confidante and friend–she never forgot why you didn’t feel well, or what illnesses caused what problems, or what happened from years ago that made you unhappy today. Her love for you always got you through whatever problem you had with sound advice and an abundance of cheering. It’s no wonder so many thought of her as their ‘second mother.’ This memory of hers and her huge heart were simply amazing.
Her talking was so uplifting. From the time she got up to the time she went to bed, she was thinking, perceiving, learning, and externalizing verbally everything she processed for the the day. It’s no exaggeration to say that the minute I stepped into the house, she’d be talking–telling me her dreams for the family, our life, what when wrong, what went right that day, what Oprah or Dr. Oz taught her, what she learned on the news, what recipe she wanted to try next, what grocery list I’d need to work on, everything from A to Z. Long-time friends are quick to remind me that she was every bit as verbally energetic and fun, ‘and as loud as our Italian family!!!’ What fun she was and how I so terribly miss the sound of her voice and constant expression of her personality. Again she’d always race around from the past to the present and the future when talking, multi-tasking comparisons, drawing conclusions, and planning ahead…the silence now is unbearable. How inspiring she was by what she talked about. How packed her words and energy-filled thoughts were!!! I feel as if a huge compass and guide for my life has disappeared.
Let’s not forget her generosity. In an instant, and without hesitation, she would give you whatever you needed, without regard for herself. Whether it be her help, her time, food, money, clothes, even medicine such as her inhaler!, she’d share it with you. One always felt well-cared for by Mom because she was so selfless. I admired her so much for her humanity. You always came first, when Mom was around.
Mom loved to make the world perfect. She was a perfectionist, like so many of us are. She was always analyzing how something, or some instance or circumstance could have been better. How can something be improved upon? How to do a better, faster, smarter job? Likely that is why much of what she did was perfect, or near-perfect, such as her knitting or sewing projects, her planning for trips, the way she dealt with tasks and responsibilities in life, and figuring out the future. When life isn’t perfect, she made it so. We would plan family dinners and invariably, someone would be absent. When looking through her photos, one will see cut-outs of missing persons pasted onto the photo of the dinner they missed. I always laugh when I find one.
I must say, I’ve always felt the pressure of achieving perfection because of Mom, whether it be grades, or chores, or driving, or anything under the sun. I could nowhere near match her level, but in recent times I have produced some sewing projects which she actually admired and complimented me on!!! How much it meant to get this praise–it was hard to get an ‘A’ from Mom. I will miss her inspiration to do my best.
I have received calls from friends who reminisce about Mom and we all miss her huge spirit, her love, the depth of her soul, and her amazing presence. May you be thriving and loving and disseminating even more happiness than you did when you walked the Earth, Mom. Don’t forget us, as we will never forget you. All my love to you, Mom.
Survived by beloved husband, Samuel; sons Darryl Paula and Garry Yee; daughter, Stephanie Shen, grandsons Jonathan and Patrick Yee, and granddaughter Tiffany Shen. Also survived by brother, Thomas Frances Lou; brother-in-law, Kenneth Amy Chinn; nephews Christopher Louie, Gerald Suzanne and Gale Chinn, and Michael Sylvia Lou; nieces Carol Haydon, Bonnie Larry Whiteman, Christina Mark Heinen, Deborah Tony Doi, Josephine Mayo; and numerous other relatives. Pre-deceased by parents, sisters Helen and Doris, and brother Dick.
Funeral service on Saturday, 4-30-11 @ 12:30pm, Bonney-Watson Funeral Home, 1732 Broadway, in Seattle. Visitation on Thursday, 4-28-11, and Friday, 4-29-11, from 2pm to 5pm, both days. Remembrances to Medic One or NCADV.
Mom,
You will forever be in my heart. You have touched many peoples lives, including my own, with your lovely laugh, smile, kindness and generosity.
In Loving Memory,
Milagros
To the Yee family: All our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Sorry for your loss. Ethel is such a sweet lady; always ask how my daughter was. She’s so caring. Will miss her.
I am very sorry to hear about Ethel’s death. She was such a nice person. We will miss her.
I always enjoyed seeing Ethel and was surprised to hear of her passing. I will miss her and pray. Your sorrow will soon fade to happy memories.
To the family of Ethel Yee, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Ethel will be missed in our clinic. She was a pleasure to work with. My thoughts are with your family.
To the family of the late Ethel Yee. Stephanie, again I am expressing my deepest sympathies regarding your mom’s unexpected passing. And as we discussed yesterday, I truly enjoyed caring for her in our clinic. I hope fond memories of her will help you and your family thru these times. Take care of your dad! Anne A., RPh
To Samuel and all the family. Just want to tell you that I worked with Ethel at Boeing on the B-2. I retired the same year as she did. We were close friends and went out to dinner several times with Margaret Carter. We go to be very close. It seems like time just slips by and we moved from Renton to Olympia in 1994. I always thought of how she was and hoped she lived a very good life after retiring. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. With sympathy, Al & Cleo Cooper
To Samuel and family: Just want to tell you that I worked with Ethel at Boeing on the B-2. I retired the same year as she did. We were close friends and went out to dinner several times with Margaret Carter. We got to be very close. It seems like time just slips by and we moved from Renton to Olympia in 1994. I always thought of how she was and hoped she lived a very good life after retiring. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. With sympathy, Al & Cleo Cooper
Dearest Ethel, As each day goes by I still cannot believe you have passed. Your Huge Spirit and Joy were Unconditional and such a Blessing to All of us. We shared so many Wonderful times . I loved the sound of your voice & all the stories we shared and talks we had. I think
of you every day & how you supported me. It always meant so much. Thank you Ethel for being You.My Parents Loved You All of their Lives and Your Love for Us is a Precious Constant. My heart is with All of your Loving Family and Sammy. I am so very deeply sorry for her loss to each of you.
Ethel, I will never forget you and pray for
your Happiness Now & Always. Until we meet again ….All My Love,
Jacki Lou now it makes perfect sense.
Ever since the first day I had met her, I’ve always been accepted. Her kindness always added with a selfless heart always in front of me. Whether it be offer of food, dinner invitations, and even the remote control for her Tv, she always thought of others. While I never had a grandmother that I could consider close, Pho-pho was the closest of what I would wish for. I honestly couldn’t have met a better person and I’m so glad to have even known someone such as her. Thank you so much for everything and I will never forget you.
I am sharing a few excerpts of notes; our thanks for your kind words. Neal Perlmutter: “…Thank you once again for the opportunity to have participated in your mother’s care over these last 20 years.” Dr. Judy Lee: “I’m saddened by the news of Mrs. Yee’s passing. It was a privilege for me to take care of her.” Dr. Julie Pattison: “I am very sorry for your loss. Your mother was always so friendly and easy-going. It was a pleasure to participate in her care…” Dr. Brazg & Mindy: We thank you for your prayers. Mom so loved you both. Thanks to the many people who have written to our family. It means so much.
I am so sorry to hear about Auntie Ethel. I think over the years that I knew her and I can say she always wished the best for those she loved and she was so generous–I will miss her. Love, Carol
I will always remember the warmth and love that Auntie Ethel and her family showed to me and others. I was so saddened to hear that she had passed. I will always consider her my Auntie and will miss her so much. Auntie Ethel, you made a big impact on my life with your love and your laughter.
Ethel Yee was a co-worker who became my closest friend. I’ll miss her even though she’s still with me. On every birthday – hers or mine – I’ll think of her and smile.
Ethel was my friend, and because the image of her is so vivid in my memory, she is still my friend … in this life, in the next and in the life ever after.
I love you Ethel. May God bless you and ease the pain of your grieving family.
Margaret Carter
Dear Yee Family,
In our lifetime there are gems and there are pearls and diamonds that come into our life. Your wife, your mother and your grandmother was such a rare human being that she was all of those fine jewels. She was greatly respected and loved by my mother and father, and our family as well. She was also my mother’s best friend who she loved so very much. What a amazing cook. I’ll never forget the time that we all went to visit all of you and the dining room table was covered with the most delicious chinese food we have eaten in our entire life. We’ll never forget that time. Ethel was a woman who was so loved and so respected and made us laugh and brought so much joy and happiness into our lives when we were with her.
We are all very fortunate to have had the experience and gift of Ethel Yee in our lives. She is greatly missed and forever loved.
RON, STARLET, ELISSA, AND JOHN VINCI
To the Yees, Stephanie, Uncle Sammy, Gary, Darryl and families:
We are all going to miss Aunt Ethel so much and find it hard to believe she left us all so soon. She had the most wonderful stories, smile, laugh and caring personality – and we always enjoyed visiting during the holidays or just whenever time allowed for dim sum.
Our deepest condolensces to the family. We are thinking of you all in this sad time.
“Death is not the end but rather the beginning. It’s a celebration of life”. Hope these words help comfort you in the days to come.
Aunt Ethel,
I am in tears to hear your departure. What a huge loss to the family! Whenever I think of you I feel your warmth, care, and love toward me and Declan. I am blessed to get to know you…
May you rest in peace and live joyfully in heaven.
Qian & Declan
Words cannot express how much I Loved Ethel Yee. I have known Ethel, her husband Sammy, Stephanie, Darryl & Garry since I was a child at 5 years old & she & her family have always been in my heart as my Chinese Family. My Parents, Ethel, Stephanie & I kept in touch for all these 57+ years. I am so grateful for her recent 10 day
visit to my home. Ethel told me several times how much she Loved Stephanie &
how much she Appreciated the many Years
of Wonderful Care that Stephanie gave her
& the Wonderful Times & Great Memories they shared together over the years with each other & Tiffany. She was so Happy to have such a Selfless & Loving daughter. She felt Very Blessed to Have had Them so Close for so many years.
Ethel, I know that the Love you Shared between your Loving Daughter Stephanie &
your Loving Grandaughter Tiffany will stay in their Hearts throughout their lives and Keep them with You. God Bless You Ethel Always…I miss You so very much. All My Love Forever, Jacki
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Cherish her memory for life is eternal and love is immortality.”
I feel so blessed to be part of your family and to know you and spending time with you in this short span of time was precious and beautiful. The sweet memory of your warmth, your laughter, your caring ways and your passions for life will always be remembered and cherished by us and all who love you.
May you Rest in Peace, Mum…Darryl and I will miss you dearly. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ethel – To this day, it is so hard to believe that you are truly gone. Sometimes I wonder if this is just a bad dream, hoping the outcome could change. It saddens me to think that you will not be there during our family gatherings, although you will always be with us in our hearts and in our thoughts. I will miss the times I was able to spend with you; the times you would say “nevermind” when Jonathan and I tried to pay for the family dinners, your willingness in trying new restaurants for the foodie that Jonathan is – even though you preferred buffets or dim sum, the trips we took together to Phoenix, the outings we had to the casino playing slots, and lastly, the sound of your voice when you called and said our names. I feel so grateful to have gotten to know you, and wish the time did not end so soon . . . wish that you could be here when, and if, Jonathan and I were ever to have a wedding. ;
Thank you for your caring ways. I will always miss you.
Love, Rebecca
Oh, Mom. How I yearn to turn back the pages of time and discover a different ending to the book. Life unfolds with it’s everyday routines, favorite pastimes, appointments, and special moments, but who would know THAT instant, what fate would prescribe? It hurts so much. If there is solace, it is that you are fine and are smiling brightly, wherever you are. Please, please smile for us, while we cry for a time. I love you so much, Mom! Please send messages. Forever your loving kid, Stephanie. P.S. You are the greatest Mom ever.
My Precious Aunt Ethel you are going to be missed so deeply. I had so much fun with you and Stephenie. You will always be in my prayers and your family will always be in my heart. Love, Mary
I’m sitting here trying to write this paper on the future, and then I thought of you, of my future without you. I miss you so much Pho Pho and it hurts to know that all you wanted from me, was to see me graduate from college. You were looking forward to the future you were going to having. Excited to make new memories with all of us; family and friends included. I will always remember all the things you taught me. And I’ll never forget the way you lived with such spirit. I hope heaven is treating you well. I love you Pho Pho, hugs and kisses forever.
Mom, I miss you so much. The time we shared together seems so short. I will miss your laughter, your love and compassion. I keep you in my heart everyday.
To all the relatives and friends of Ethel, I am sorry for your loss. Mom loved nothing better than to call or visit each and every one of you and to keep in touch. She loved you with all her heart. Please don’t be sad… you were fortunate to have this special person in your life and to have wonderful memories with her to cherish. Peace be yours, Stephanie
Mom, I miss you every day.
All my love, Stephanie
8-9-2013