ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Gracia Lee 張敬茜, born on February 1, 1943, and passed away on June 8, 2021. We will remember her forever.

Memorial Service:
We had a virtual memorial service to celebrate her life via Zoom on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Memorial service recording:  https://youtu.be/Yjc0z95d0Jk
Word Cloud:
Thank you for sharing your wonderful words describing Gracia.  The word cloud is displayed in the Life and Gallery tabs of this website.

Donation:
In lieu of flowers or gifts, you can make a tax deductible donation to the Gracia Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund to the Association of Chinese Americans 32585 Concord Drive, Madison Heights, MI 48071, 248-585-9343, Payable to Association of Chinese Americans with a memo "for Gracia Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund". Gracia served on the scholarship committee for over 35 years since its formation.
June 9, 2021
June 9, 2021
I will always think of Mrs. Lee from our cherished years hiking and canoeing with the Pittsburgh camping group. I was the youngest of the kids and could usually be found following around Siemay and Tzielan (and trying to peek inside that cool car tent)! Mrs. Lee was always so kind to me. I remember her most for her natural beauty (she always looked lovely) and her warm smile, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit. When a lot of other moms stayed back, Mrs. Lee always forged ahead. I remember thinking to myself, that's how I want to be when I grow up. I can still hear her voice calling me "Ting Ting." Although my parents Victor and Deborah won't be able to share here (they are both suffering from advanced dementia), I know they would want to express their love and support for the Lee family--you are among our dearest lifelong friends. You will be missed, Mrs. Lee. Lots of love to you all.   
June 9, 2021
June 9, 2021
I was so very sad to hear about Auntie Gracia's sudden passing. She was a close family friend, but truly more like family. Her warm smile is a bright light I'll always remember. Growing up she was one of the cool parents who helped coordinate dance parties and social events and throughout the years it was wonderful to keep in touch. My heart goes out to Uncle Tony, Tzielan, Siemay and their families.....she will be missed so very much. 
June 9, 2021
June 9, 2021
Kent and I are shocked and saddened by the news, less than two month ago, we talked on the Zoom, Gracia looks so vibrant and healthy.
Gracia was beautiful, thoughtful and unselfish to serve friends, community, organized all kinds events, big or small, joyful or sad occasions, always with a smiling face, never complain, we will really miss her, but it is comforting to know that I will see her again, when I leave this world, I can hear her soft and lovely voice saying "how are you? haven't see you for a while.
June 9, 2021
June 9, 2021
To my sister Jeh:

As my brother would say, you were not just my sister; you were 10 years older than I was and like a mother to me.

When I left Taiwan to study in the US, my first stop was Pittsburgh. I applied to school around there because you were in Pittsburgh and I knew you would take care of me. It came to no surprise that your home was just like my own home in Taipei. Whenever I was out of school, I would go to your house and enjoy delicious home-made Chinese dishes.

I shared everything with you, whether happy or sad. When I got my first job, the first thing I did was call you to share my happiness. I hope you see how important you are in my heart.

Even though you’ve left us, I believe we will see each other again sometime. 
When you see mom and dad, please let them know we are fine and we all miss them.

Love you,
Sho Dee
 
June 9, 2021
June 9, 2021
So sorry to hear the news... We have great memories of her from all those Pittsburgh camping trips.  Condolences to everyone in the family. 
June 9, 2021
June 9, 2021
Garcia,

It is our fortune to have known you! You are such a dedicated, honorable, and loving person. You are always so positive and good natured. Our shared ventures with ACA had not been easy, but memorable. And we benefited so much by your presence on the Scholarship Committee. You always found us the perfect fit! You are going to be so so sorely missed, especially those cosy dinners we had to reminiscent the old days!

Lilian and John
June 9, 2021
June 9, 2021
Gracia will be missed by all the old friends from Pittsburgh. Her spirit will always be there to lead us. We knew that she is resting in peace and she will want all of us, Tony & family stay strong and do not let her down.

Kelvin
June 8, 2021
June 8, 2021
I was incredibly saddened to hear about Auntie Gracia's sudden illness and passing. My heart goes out to you, Uncle Tony, and to Tzielan and Siemay and the rest of your families. I am very thankful that she was able to spend her last weeks surrounding by those who loved her the most, and whom she loved in return. I loved reading the story about her first road trip with Uncle Tony. I'll remember Auntie Gracia for being very kind and warm, while also being no-nonsense and straightforward, which I always respected. You will be greatly missed, Auntie Gracia!
June 8, 2021
June 8, 2021
Gracia was an extremely generous person to everyone. She was smart and understanding. She went to visit my mother in nursing home in Hong Kong.
She took me to see her home in Hong Kong and shopped at her favorite bakery. She came to my house to comfort me when my brother had an accident. She had large parties and how she could cook elaborate feasts. Her conversation about politics, finance, family, and children were intersting. She would be greatly missed by everyone and Chinese community.

Theresa Sun
June 8, 2021
June 8, 2021
We were stunned by the news of Gracia passing away. We were looking forward to having Tony and Gracia as neighbors (across from us) once they moved to Rossmoor permanently. Gracia had a wonderful smile. We always loved listening to her stories about their travels and life in Michigan. Our deepest sympathies to Tony and her family.
Sandy & Phil Dalforno
Page 2 of 2

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Recent Tributes
February 20
February 20
Dear Gracia,
I’m sorry for not sending you my birthday wishes on time; I’m always late!
I miss you a lot! Your smile, your voice, and your kindness have been with me often. I trust that God and angels are taking care of you and you are happily surrounded by celestial friends. Happy Birthday, Gracia, love you always.
June 10, 2023
June 10, 2023
Every time I think of you, my heart ached, want to cry, just can’t let you go!
We, the group of friends who always traveled with you, are on an Iceland, Norway cruise, the first time after Pandemic and after you left us.
Everywhere we went, we couldn’t stop thinking of you and talking about you, and wish you were with us.
Traveling will never be the same without you, but we managed by talking about all the joyful moments when we were traveling with you.
Yes, it has been two years, but we didn’t forget you, you are with us every moment we breathed and every where we go.
Post some photos, believe that you will see them with smile somewhere!

June 10, 2023
June 10, 2023
Dear Gracia,
I couldn’t believe that you have left us for two years now! Your smile and kindness have been with me wherever I go. I trust that you are now with the Lord and He is looking after you for me. Miss and love you always!
Her Life

Gracia Lee described by her friends and family

July 14, 2021

Gracia Lee Word Cloud

Her beautiful life

June 6, 2021
Gracia was born in Chengdu, China in 1943 during the Second World War. She was a descendent of the distinguished Hsiung and Liu families on her maternal side. Her maternal grandfather was a medical doctor and her great grandfather was the governor of three provinces Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou. Her other great grandfather was a prominent general in the Chin Dynasty and was regarded as an influential person and national hero in modern Chinese history defending Western China. When the Chinese communists took over mainland China in 1949, the family escaped to Taiwan with the National Forces and her father became a 2 star general in the Chinese Air Force in Taiwan. She graduated from Shin-Ju High School (新竹) and National Cheng-Tsi University (政大) majoring in accounting and statistics. After graduation, she came to the United States on scholarship to study business at Illinois State University. She met and married her husband Tony Lee, who was working on his doctoral degree in physics in New Jersey. Subsequently she completed her MBA at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.


Gracia’s career started while in graduate school when she was hired by Chase Bank as an accountant with their international banking operations. She then took a few years off to care for her 2 young daughters, Tzielan and Siemay, while Tony was launching his career in plasma physics. The family settled down in the Pittsburgh area and when their younger daughter Siemay was in preschool, Gracia reentered the work force as a staff accountant with Volkswagen of America. She was promoted several times becoming an accounting supervisor. In 1985 Tony was recruited by General Motors R&D Center in Michigan and Gracia was able to transfer to the Volkswagen US headquarters in Michigan. There she became a financial analyst and eventually joined the controller’s office as an assistant controller and oversaw all fiscal operations for Volkswagen in the US. Gracia retired in 2002 after a successful and fulfilling 25 year career.


Under her guidance her daughters became successful medical doctors, and she provided endless sage advice, wisdom and insight throughout their lives.


Gracia was highly principled and valued loyalty, perseverance, integrity, family, and friendship. She was full of empathy even towards complete strangers. As a young girl, she would share her new year’s red envelope money with the homeless. She taught her daughters the importance of kindness and generosity. These characteristics led others to seek and trust her friendship and advice.


Gracia’s overwhelming selflessness and strive for perfection were two of her most prominent traits. She was devoted to the welfare of her family and took on the responsibility to care for everyone. Her preparedness allowed her to anticipate and avoid adversity.  She was always thinking ahead of how to improve everyone’s life.


She volunteered time with Chinese American organizations advocating community service and equal rights. She loved the outdoors and organized summer camping and fall color trips for family and friends. She visited over 40 national parks and over 50 countries on 6 continents along with taking over 30 ocean cruises. She also enjoyed playing golf, cooking delicious homemade meals, and spending time with her four grandchildren, Tyler, Vienna, Maxwell, and Zun.


She passed on June 8, 2021 and is missed tremendously by family and friends.

Final chapter of a beautiful life

June 4, 2021
With great sadness we share that our dear mom has departed this world on June 8, 2021  As some of you may already know, our previously healthy and vibrant mother, Gracia Lee, was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer on May 8th.  She was having symptoms of fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss for only a few weeks in April.  We became concerned about her health and flew to Michigan to see how she was doing and we subsequently brought her to the ER for evaluation.  There she was found to have a pancreatic mass with metastases to the liver.  She was at first hospitalized in Detroit but then we decided to bring her to California to be closer to family and pursue palliative treatments at Stanford.  Just before more evaluation could be done she suffered multiple strokes on May 17th. This was likely caused by the cancer making her at higher risk for blood clots.  She was hospitalized again and given her worsening weakness and effects from the stroke, we honored her wishes to bring her home with hospice to pursue comfort care and be surrounded by family and love.  The quick onset of symptoms to her diagnosis and eventually to her passing was unbelievably short.  Our family is devastated but we cherished the time we had with her at the end of her life.  Thank you to all who reached out and were worried and concerned about her health.  We deeply appreciate everyone's love, prayers, and support for her and our family.  
She would not want any of you to be sad thus please take time to reflect on the wonderful memories you had with her.
Tzielan and Siemay
Recent stories

Lyrics to "Cooking It Up" - an original song by me, Tyler Liu (her eldest grandson)

July 13, 2021
Cooking It Up
The wind blows hard mid-May
Uneventful summer following busy school days
We brought you in with the heavy news
But soon

We’ll be swinging at the driving range
Cooking it up, jiǎo zi (饺子) on our dinner plates
Fixing my posture and my stance
Zumba, line, and Just Dance

(Cooking it up) the meals in the kitchen
(Cooking it up) the trips and vacations
(Cooking it up) oh thankful for them
(Cooking it up) again

Chauffeuring days on end
Time slowed down, with many bends
in this road of life we’re on
Yet soon

We’ll be swinging at the driving range
Cooking it up, jiǎo zi (饺子) on our dinner plates
Fixing my posture and stance
Zumba, line, and Just Dance

(Cooking it up) the meals in the kitchen
(Cooking it up) the trips and vacations
(Cooking it up) oh thankful for them
(Cooking it up) again

Across the bay, I received the news
I love you, I’ll see you soon

~~~
Love you 婆婆. Thanks for supporting me and my music throughout all these years and I miss you lots.
Streaming links: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/agenttyty/cooking-it-up
Bandcamp: https://agenttyty.bandcamp.com/track/cooking-it-up

My Little Sister: 我的妹妹 - 張敬茜

June 14, 2021
(My dad wrote the following tribute to his little sister)

My Little Sister: 我的妹妹 - 張敬茜

From our early years in Taiwan, my sister and I went everywhere together. We walked together, or I would carry my sister on my bicycle … to school and to other places together. Then in the United States our families always lived near each other, so our children (Lan Lan, Mei Mei, and Ding Ding) could share the same closeness and love that my sister and I had.

When my sister was younger, she always followed me around. I would take her to places and events all around. I took care of and looked over her to assure her wellbeing and happiness and to protect her. She had all the happiness in the world, and she deserved it. Then when she got older, she did much, much more for me as if she were my big sister, not my little sister. She had a kind heart and was a giving person to me, to her families, to her friends and even to strangers because she had strong compassion and empathy towards less fortunate ones.

We shared many happy days, as well as difficult times, and sometimes even differences. But through it all we always knew how much we loved each other. For example, when we had a fight, sometimes a big fight because we were both being stubborn, she would be the bigger person and reach out to her elder brother. And she was always there when I needed her most. In 2019, she reached out and regularly called me up to check on me after I was diagnosed with a form of bone marrow cancer. Just a couple months later, she flew her entire extended family to DC to celebrate my 80th birthday with me, which meant so much to me. And then just four months after that, she single-handedly organized a Caribbean cruise for just the siblings and spouses in January 2020. My sister is the only reason that cruise became a reality, and that also ended up being the very last time all of the siblings were together in person.

My little sister was also extremely motivated and competitive, excelled as a leader, and drove herself toward perfection in her work, her life and everything she touched. This is precisely the reason she had a successful career, had a beautiful marriage, and raised an exceptional and accomplished family.

My little sister was a beautiful, talented, kind, compassionate, and empathetic person. She was a giving person who took care of others, especially families, and she could work herself to the bone to take care of everyone or to just make a feast for everyone to enjoy.

I am very proud of my little sister and her accomplishments and will cherish her love eternally. I am saddened that she left us too early. However, I am happy that she is in heaven with our parents who had an abundance of love for her during her lifetime and will continue to have an abundance of love for her in heaven forever.

In memory of a dear friend - Gracia

June 11, 2021
Gracia was a special friend to many of us. When I think of Gracia, I think of a few unique things. 


We shared many similarities. We both have the same last name (Chang) and married a Lee/Li. We both got married on the same day (1/25/69), she in Pittsburgh, me in Ann Arbor. Our children went to the same high school, Andover High in Bloomfield Hills. Tzielan and Albert were in the same year, while Siemay and Karen were two years apart. We both hold business degrees and worked for auto companies, Gracia with Volkswagen and me with General Motors. Both Tony and Chin-Hsiu worked for General Motors in Engineering. And, we both love chocolate!


Gracia cared about all her friends, especially friends in need. For the first year following his brain surgery in 1991, Chin-Hsiu was unable to drive to work. Gracia and Tony generously offered to give Chin-Hsiu a ride every morning from West Bloomfield to Warren. They did this for a whole year until Tony was transferred to Packard Electrics in Ohio. I am forever grateful for their selfless devotion to friends.


Gracia’s love for travel was contagious. In the summer of 2003 when Chin and I lived in Taiwan temporarily for his work, Gracia and Tony happened to be in Hong Kong for Tony’s work. Gracia thought we should get together. So I made the decision to go to Hong Kong a couple days later. Gracia gave me a pretty complete tour of Hong Kong during my two days there. She was familiar with the local public transportation and points of attraction. I was so impressed with Gracia’s efficiency as a tour guide. After all, she had only been there for two months! 


Gracia loved to dance. She had a flair for dancing the jitterbug. One night during one of our cruise trips I was walking towards the dining room when I saw a woman from afar dancing a few casual steps to the music. I could easily tell, even from a distance that it was Gracia by the way she moved. She had a big smile on her face, when I told her what I saw later that night.


Gracia is a generous, fun loving and devoted friend. When I think of her, I will never forget her big smile.


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