Elena Lee

Elena Lee, 78, born in August, 1938 in Canton, China, passed away December 5, 2016. She resided in West Hills, California at the time of her passing.

Elena was born in Canton, China during the Japanese Occupation. Her mother and brother had to fend for themselves in Canton where many civilians faced starvation and brutality. Her mother was able to find a job teaching English and music at a school which also provided boarding and meals for Elena and her brother.

At the end of WWII, the family moved to Manila, Philippines where she received most of her education and learned three additional languages, English, Spanish, and Tagalog. She also attended college and studied Business and Finance.

Despite the opportunities in Manila, they were still limited. Elena's mom persuaded her to find better suitors as well as opportunities in the United States, so Elena immigrated to San Francisco, CA when she was 26. Elena briefly lived with her aunt and uncle while studying at the local college. Her aunt introduced Elena to Walter Lee, who was studying Engineering at UC Berkeley.

They married and decided to move down to Los Angeles where Walter worked as an engineer designing guidance systems. With their first son on the way, they moved out of their apartment and purchased their first home in the San Fernando Valley. Two more children came along and the family of five established roots and remained in the San Fernando Valley area which Elena called home.

Elena's mom eventually moved to the United States and lived in Los Angeles Chinatown. Elena made it a point for the family to visit her mother almost every week, instilling a strong sense of family support and dedication.

Elena and Walter also instilled the value of hard work and education and sacrificed much to give their children the best education, from starting school early, attending private schools, to extra summer sessions. All the children graduated from California universities.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Walter; sons Walter Jr. and Norman; and daughter Annie; her son-in-law Fred; and two grandchildren Evan and Leah.

Elena will be laid to rest on Monday, December 19; no public service is scheduled. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Glendale, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the City of Hope.