FISHKILL - Lillian Gong Lee, age 71 ½, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully in her Fishkill home on February 7th. Born in Brooklyn NY, she was the first of five children born to Kar and Shun Gong, immigrants from China. She grew up working at the family laundry and taking care of her 4 siblings (Victor, Jade, Evelyn, and Richard). Lillian learned to cook from her father, which would become a lifelong skill and gift she would share with others.
She was a graduate of John Bowne High School and Nancy Taylor Business School. Lillian served as an Executive Secretary at Chemical Bank in NYC. After marrying Joseph in 1978 they moved to Syracuse where she became Customer Service Representative. After the birth of her son David, she became a Domestic Engineer, a title she took great pride in (deservedly so I'd say). She loved to care for others, so Lillian started a home daycare after having her second child Christina. Their home was known in the cul-de-sac for the sounds of happy children.
Lillian and the family moved to Fishkill 37 years ago when her husband Joseph started working for IBM.
Lillian always took great care to make the holidays special for her family, through extensive home cooked banquets and extravagant Christmas decorations. Her children, nieces, nephews and grandkids always received overflowing Easter and Valentine's days baskets every year. At every supermarket, she knew everyone from the butcher to the stock clerks, and was always ready with a joke while eyeballing the best produce.
She loved to shop for her grandchildren, who also loved their summer weeklong visits to their grandparents in Fishkill.
Lillian Lee was a beloved wife of 47 years to Joseph Lee, mother to David (Ivy) Lee and Dr. Christina (Rodolfo) Chou, and grandmother to Maya, Allie, Lia. She will also be missed as a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to any who knew her.
Her funeral visitation is Friday, February 17, 2023 at 5-8 PM at McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. Burial will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 10:45 AM at Flushing Cemetery.
Please visit Lillian's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com