SHOON JEE LEE

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SHOON JEE LEE (née AU) August 10, 1929 - February 26, 2017 It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of the dear matriarch of our family, peacefully in her home, at the age of 87. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Gan Yuen Lee, mother Yiu Chee Chan, and brother Ying Wai Au. Shoon Jee will forever be loved and missed by her children Lucia, Terry (Susie), Mary (Jay), and James (Chauntel); grandchildren Zarene (Ethan), Elaine (Somsay), Adelyn, Chanel (Rob), Ryan, and Teagan; great-grandchildren Olivia, Keira, Declan, Isla; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Shoon Jee was born in Taishan, Guangdong, China into a modest family, growing up farming and told stories of feeding pigs. It was in her early years she developed a love of embroidery, which would remain a favourite pastime throughout her life. At the age of 20, her life was changed when she married Gan Yuen Lee. To escape harrowing circumstances in China, they fled to Hong Kong. When Gan Yuen immigrated to Canada alone in pursuit of establishing a better life for his family, Shoon Jee persevered, single-handedly raising two young children through challenging times. It was a testament to her strength and bravery when she endured the journey across the world with two children in tow, to a foreign country, culture and language. After 13 years apart, she was happily reunited with her husband in Winnipeg. Naturally, two more children soon followed. Shoon Jee placed the utmost value on family, taking pride in her integral role as wife and mother, allowing her husband to focus on the success of the family business. She was overjoyed as she became a grandmother and great-grandmother; roles she cherished and revered. She placed a high value on education, ensuring her children and extended family had the opportunities she was never afforded. It was with pride she insisted on attending her grandchildren's graduation ceremonies, and liked to playfully don the cap at each opportunity. Though not outwardly affectionate, she showed her love by making sure those she cared for were well fed and used meals as a way to regularly bring family together. Her children and grandchildren looked forward to her signature steamed buns, dumplings, rice bundles, and noodles; always individually packaged for each specific family member. Beyond teaching the values of being kind, hardworking, and putting family first, she felt it was her duty to uphold certain Chinese traditions. She educated her family on the various rituals and superstitions, which they diligently followed. She was the guide to the traditions of their culture, making sure they did not forget their roots. Her family will carry on the traditions in her memory. A funeral service will take place on Monday, March 6, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery) with viewing from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 04, 2017