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Caroline Yee Obituary
Aug. 12, 1944 - Feb. 21, 2013
Oakland
Beloved Oakland educator Caroline Chin Yee passed away after an unexpected illness on February 21, 2013. She was born on August 12, 1944. The youngest of five siblings (Jennie, Janice, Jerome, and David), she attended Lincoln, Westlake, and Oakland Technical High School. She graduated from UCB and obtained her teaching credential at Fresno State. Gary and Caroline married in December, 1968.
Caroline taught in several Oakland elementary schools. She later became a principal at Hillcrest, Emerson, and Lincoln Schools, retiring in 2008. She received numerous awards for educational leadership, but she was proudest of those which honored the collective effort of the entire school.
Caroline was active in numerous community education activities, including Faith Network of the East Bay, Junior Center of Art and Science, Cantare con Vivo, Wa Sung Club, and the East Bay Children's Theater. Caroline was a member at First Presbyterian (Berkeley), Fruitvale , and College Avenue Presbyterian Churches.
Caroline is survived by husband Gary, daughter Lisa Ko, two adult children and their families- Chris (Laurel Joe, Sierra and Kayla) and Susan (Scott Hoshida, Twyla and Jiyo), her two sisters, her brother Jerome, and countless in laws, nieces and nephews. She was a caring educator of young and old, an enthusiastic performer with limitless energy, a brave community advocate, and a loving sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, in-law, and travel buddy.
A memorial service will be held on March 16 at 10am at First Presbyterian Church Berkeley, 2407 Dana St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the organizations listed above
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Caroline Yee
Gina Moreno
March 8, 2019
Dear Gary and Family,
I miss Caroline's wonderful energy on the stage and her love for theatre. I remember the performances we did together. I always loved performing with her. One special time was when I was asked to be the substitute Blue Ferry in Cinderella. I was very nervous. Caroliine not only practice my lines with me and put on the blue make up. She will always live in my memory
April 12, 2013
Dear Gary and family,
My deepest sympathy in remembrance of Caroline's sweet smile and warm welcome when performing for EBCT at Lincoln School year after year.
Her generous and courageous spirit will live on in the memories of the many lives she touched with love.
Anne Doyle
Nancy Lockhart
March 18, 2013
Dear Gary and Family.
I loved working with Caroline at EBCT. She had such enthusiasm and capability for participation and leadership, and was a great little actress. Her positive memory will always live in our group.
Nancy Lockhart
March 18, 2013
Dear Gary and Family - working with Caroline these past years with EBCT was a joy and a learning experience. Watching the love from teachers and students when she entered the schools was a joy. She will be missed by all of us. Judy Rosenberg
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March 18, 2013
Dear Gary and family, I worked and performed with Caroline in EBCT. I felt such a strong connection with her as educators, Grandmothers and our love of theater. She had so much enthusiasm and caring for life. I shall miss her! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely,Gina Moreno
Kate Dowling
March 18, 2013
Dear Gary, Susan, Family and loved ones: May Caroline's love continue to strengthen and encourage you.
Karen Louis Martell
March 17, 2013
May this candle be a light from Aunty Caroline for us to live like she did with God in her heart, heart in her spirit & LOTS of endless unconditional LOVE for us all. & Remember to Have Fun & Learn Alot!! ;)
Brian Shinoda
March 16, 2013
My condolences to you all... I am thankful to have known Caroline through high school; she was always a positive, supportive and extremely friendly person
March 16, 2013
Condolences to Gary and family, continuing on the journey of life with Jesus. Caroline: we miss you.
Eddy Chandler
March 15, 2013
Her passion for the arts gave education new meaning as she sought to make learning fun for especially underserved children. Her dream for performing onstage was finally realized when she joined East Bay Children's Theatre and delighted audiences with her animated and exuberant spirit. This organization was so much the richer for her presence and especially her commitment to arts education. We shall miss her deeply but now she performs with the angels in a guiding capacity.
Tina Bearce
March 15, 2013
~<3~May Love & Light blanket your spirit. I will always love you sweet Caroline~<3~
Jonathan Breault
March 15, 2013
When Gary told me that Caroline had passed away I was stunned, shocked and saddened. My recollection of Caroline is one of immense joy, happiness and love of life, kids, her community and her family. There are no words adequate to express how much the loss of this wonderful lady diminishes us all. I can only offer my deepest condolences to Gary and his family.
Earl "Marty" Price
March 15, 2013
Your smile always lit us up.From Westlake through Tech and our professional careers. You always made your former classmates feel special and we always thought you were. You will be missed. My deepest condolences to the family
Marilyn Thomas
March 14, 2013
My condolences to Caroline Chin Yee family.
I had a chance to meet Caroline, when she was the principal at Kaiser Elementary. She will be missed.
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