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Yale University

Lily Lee Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 21 to Mar. 22, 2015.

PEORIA - Lily Wei-Jeo Lee, 78, of Peoria passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2015.

Lily was born in NingBo, China, on Nov. 7 to Z.H. and Alice Ching.

When Lily was young, the family immigrated to Taipei, Taiwan, where Lily attended grade school and high school. From Taipei, Lily moved directly to Peoria as a teenager in the early '50s to attend nursing school at St. Francis Hospital.

She married her beloved husband, Steve Lee, on Aug. 8, 1959, in Wilmington, Del., after Steve received the approval of her father via his proxy in New York City.

Lily dedicated her entire career to nursing. First working as a nurse for many years at St. Francis Hospital, she then embarked on a new adventure. In 1972, Lily joined the staff of instructors at the Illinois Central College nursing program. As an ICC instructor, Lily was able to truly work toward building a vital part of the Peoria area health care community. She enjoyed teaching at ICC from 1972 to 1997.

Later in her life, Lily set herself an ambitious goal of returning to school to earn a Ph.D. in pediatric nursing. This required many long drives to the University of Illinois Chicago Circle campus and months away to study at Yale University in New Haven, Conn. Lily achieved her Ph.D. with a thesis on assessing pediatric pain.

Lily was always an avid traveler. After she retired, she and Steve traveled to all parts of the globe. They shared many adventures and were wonderful goodwill ambassadors for Peoria. Lily kept written journals of all of their travels to share with her family.

Lily is survived by her sisters, Jean in Santa Clara, Calif., Rose in Los Angeles, Calif., Mary in Taipei, Taiwan; and her brother, David in Shanghai.

Her son, Jeffrey, daughter-in-law, Anthanette, and granddaughter, Elena, live in Boston. Elena would spend two weeks in Peoria every summer attending Camp Gramps here in their home.

The hallmark of Lily's life was her devotion to helping others, either through her work, her family or her community of much loved friends and colleagues here in Peoria.

Cremation rites will be accorded.

Memorials may be made to Children's Hospital of Illinois Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Service is in care of the arrangments.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Recent Activity

March 11, 2019

RICHARD TAYLOR posted to the memorial.

August 21, 2015

Rita shiue posted to the memorial.

August 20, 2015

Jennifer Simmons posted to the memorial.

44 Entries

RICHARD TAYLOR

March 11, 2019

I STILL REMEMBER HER VIVIDLY.....AND MOURN HER PASSING...BY TOUCHING SO MANY LIVES.....SHE STILL LIVES....

Rita shiue

August 21, 2015

I still remember vividly Lily' friendly smiles the last time when we met her in Cin. OH (even though her loss of weight due to her illness was already apparent), where we had a Class Reunion for the Fist Girl's High school of Taipei, Taiwan.
Our friendship begins over half-a-century ago, and I am happy to say, we managed to keep in touch with one another over the vast time and space.
Lily is such a nice and generous person that I will never forget her.
When one of my husband's nephews from Taiwan came to do his graduate study in Peoria, Lily looked after him for the whole two years period.
Lily is such a lovely person. We miss her.

Rita Ouyang
North Potomac, MD

Lily loved our children at Crittenton Centers. We are so thankful for her commitment to volunteer every week since 2005. She is missed.

Jennifer Simmons

August 20, 2015

Dawn Tucker

April 16, 2015

I just heard that Lily passed away. I am very sad to hear this news. I am certain the only reason I passed my Nursing Pharmaceutical Class (in the late 70's) is because of Lily. She was tough, but held us to high expectations, so we would be the nurses she knew we could be. I thought she was one of the kindest, smartest most caring instructors you could ask for. May you find comfort in knowing what a positive influence she had on this world.

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Haley Clarke

March 26, 2015

I met Lily through the Clubs at River City. She always had a smile and a word of encouragement. During my pregnancy, I took water aerobics classes with her, and she was so kind with all of her questions. She was also proud to brag on her own baby and grandbaby. I will miss her very much. I am so sorry for your loss.

Crittenton Centers

March 24, 2015

Crittenton Centers lost a dear friend on March 15th with the passing of Lily Lee. Lily had been a volunteer a volunteer at Crittenton Centers in the Crisis Nursery since 2005. She was a ray of sunshine to the children and staff here. With her spunky personality and heart for children, it was not uncommon to find her in the throes of play! The impact of the time and attention she gave to children in need can never be measured, but her legacy of kindness will live on through all of those who knew her.

Patricia Rardin

March 23, 2015

I remember her from when I briefly attended the nursing program at I.C.C. As I recall, she was really nice to the students and easy to get along with, much more so than some of the other instructors. Sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to her family.

Bill

March 23, 2015

Jeff and family,
I was sorry to learn of the passing of your parents. I worked with your father for many years at IDOT. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Peoria Highway Credit Union when I became the manager. I appreciated all the help he gave me during my years at IDOT. God bless you and your family.

Bill Gordon

March 23, 2015

Jeff and family,
I am sorry to learn of the passing of your parents. Your father worked with me at ISOT. He was on the Board of Directors of the Peoria Highway Credit Union when I was Manager of the Credit Union. I had the utmost respect for him. God bless your family.

Janene

March 23, 2015

Jeff and family,
It was my pleasure to meet your mom and dad a few years ago. Lily was such a beautiful lady inside and out. It was a great pleasure and blessing to meet her. Prayers go out to you and your family.

March 23, 2015

Jeff and family,
We are so saddened by the passing of both of your parents. They were really great people and have had a great impact on our lives. Not only all the memories of our childhood but well into our adult lives as well. Both of your parents have been wonderful role models and truly inspiring human beings. They will be sorely missed.
Wishing you the best always.

MeiMin and family

Marcia Davis

March 23, 2015

What a joy and privilege to have known this truly remarkable woman. She will be so missed!

March 22, 2015

I graduated from ICC's nursing program in 1980 and loved her teaching skills! Peace to her family and friends..I was blessed to have crossed paths with her.

Peggy Reel

March 22, 2015

One of nices persons I every had the privilege to know and work with. My sympathy to her family for their loss.

Jill Schertz

March 22, 2015

I am a better professional for having had Lily's leadership and teaching in my life. Jill Schertz - ICC class of 1975

Ann Hagemann

March 22, 2015

Lily embodied what is means to"treat others the way you want to be treated" -her light will continue to shine in all who were touched by her...

Theresa S

March 22, 2015

My sympathies to her family. I was one of her students at ICC in the 1970's. I then worked with her when she brought her students to the unit on which I worked for their clinicals. She was a wonderful person, educator, and nurse. She was such a compassionate person.

Jonesy

March 22, 2015

Steve and Lily went so well together, because they could both light up a room with thier smiles. I am so blessed to have been apart of thier lives for such a short time. Lily was a sweet, sweet woman. They raised an amazing young man, Jeff- who carries on thier compassion and brilliant smiles. Jeff, I am thinking of you always! You are such a strong, sweet man and you're parents will always be proud of you! You could tell in the way they both looked at you!

March 21, 2015

Lily and I started teaching at ICC at the same time in 1972. We share an office for many years as well as good times at potlucks and lunches. She was always upbeat, friendly, and willing to help other people and on projects. She is missed.
Shalom, my friend.
Jean H

Kim Cade

March 21, 2015

Lily donated her time to the children at Crisis Nursery. She was such a caring person and will be missed tremendously.

Nancy & Chi-yung Chiang

March 21, 2015

Lily, Steve and Jeff were the first people we met when we came to Peoria in September 1968. We became very good friends since then. Just like everyone else said she was friendly, energetic, willing to help in anyway... We will miss you, Lily, forever.
Rest in peace with our deepest sympathy.

Heather Steinbeck

March 21, 2015

Praying for your family during this time. Lily was one of my instructors at ICC (I graduated the nursing program in 1996). She was such a dear, sweet lady who genuinely cared and I am thankful for the opportunity to have been under her leadership. What a smile she had! Praying for you as you miss her and grieve her loss.

Rosita Chu

March 21, 2015

Lily was such a loving and caring person. during our high school reunions, we had wonderful time, Her positive and cheerful personality make us really like to be around her. Lily, We will always remember and miss you.
Rosita & Victor. - SF CA

Maxine Blane

March 21, 2015

Lily was such a sweet lady. I met her when I was teaching at ICC. She always had a smile and was such a pleasure to be around. I shall miss her

March 21, 2015

Lily is our oldest, closest and dearest friend in Peoria. I met her when she was in nursing school at St. Francis Hospital when I started to work for Caterpillar in 1957. As more Chinese families moved to Peoria, Lily, Steve, along with my wife and I organized and celebrated Chinese holidays at one of our homes. After afew years ,the Chinese Association was formed. At peak years we had over a hundred members. After we retired, most of our Chinese friends of our generation also moved away. Lees, Chiangs (Chi yung & Nancy Chiang) and us (HJ &TP Shen), we still celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and Chinese holidays together every year even after Steve was gone. Needless to say our friendship is indelible and our pain in losing of Steve two years ago and Lily now is unbearable.
Lily achieved her goals. She fulfilled her wish and earned a PH.D. She devoted her whole life to the field of nursing; working, teaching and volunteering. She helped many friends in many ways. She was our health adviser. She will be always in our heart. She was healthy, energetic, happy and was helping and ready to continue to help many more people so why does she leave us in such a hurry?
as we Chinese would say.
HJ & TP Shen

Audrey Tharp

March 21, 2015

Lily Lee was an exceptional instructor at ICC. I graduated in 1988 from the program and can say she contributed a lot to my career as a nurse and to increasing my knowledge base as well. rest well Lily your smile will light up Heaven.

Ronnie Hountz

March 21, 2015

Lily was a kind and giving person! Always with a smile that lit up room. She will be missed!
Ronnie Ellen Hountz. (Broadlands, VA)

Joe Stien

March 21, 2015

Lily had that rare quality of making you feel good just to be around her. I never saw her without a smile.

Jean Aldag

March 21, 2015

I always looked forward to Lily's smile and hug. She lighted up everything. She will be missed.
With Sympathy,
Jean

Linda Mitchell-Cooper

March 21, 2015

What a blessing to have known Lily! She touched the lives of so many! Our dear sweet fun energeric vibrant Lily is rejoicing in heaven with my aunt, her friend and coworker! What a reunion it must be!!

MARY TAYLOR

March 21, 2015

SHE WAS A WONDERFUL INSTRUCTER AT ICC.

Joan Blevins

March 21, 2015

Lilly's infectious smile and her warmth and caring for others will be missed but always remembered!

March 21, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about Lily's passing! My thoughts & prayers go out to her & the family. She was a wonderful & kind person! God Bless, Ken Williams

Richard L. Nimz

March 21, 2015

Lily was one of my favorite colleagues at ICC. I loved traveling with her on the various little trips that were organized during the early years of ICCAA. Her enthusiasm and joy for living was so wonderful. And as the above picture shows, her smile was fantastic and made all who saw it feel great. I am truly missing Lily. My sincere condolences to her wonderful family.

Ed Smith

March 21, 2015

I am sad to hear of Lily's passing. What a terrific human being she was. It was a treat to run into her on the ICC campus in the course of one's work day. She had a smile for everyone all the time. Everyone.

Rick Taylor

March 21, 2015

this picture is exactly the way I remember Lily Lee, I graduated from ICC's nursing program in 1978-79 all of the instructors in the program were the best...but this is the way I always saw Lily. Perhaps it was the idea of me dealing with pediatric patients that caused the laugh and smile...whatever it was..it certainly eased the stress that I was feeling.. Bless you..the Nursing world has lost a really bright light. Thank you...sleep well.

Pam Johnson

March 21, 2015

Perry and I sat next to Steve and Lily for many years at Peoria Symphony Orchestra concerts. They were wonderful, friendly people. Lily will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to her family.

Mary Sieg

March 21, 2015

I graduated from the ICC Nursing Program in 1990. Lily was a wonderful instructor and mentor. She was always so nice yet professional. She was a beautiful person. My condolences to her family. May your memories and God's peace be with you at this difficult time. Thank you, Lily and God Bless.

Mei-Fang Cheng

March 20, 2015

I could not agree more with all the things that have been said about Lilly: she exhibits warmth, caring, boundless energy and above all selflessness. I am fortunate to be her classmate and the recipient of her kindness.

Mei-Fang Cheng (Warren, NJ)

This is the Lily I will always remember...

Venetia Wang

March 19, 2015

LiuQing Anderson

March 19, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Rita Shiue

March 19, 2015

It is so very sad to hear the passing of Lily!
We still remember vividly her friendly smiles during our reunion days in the autumn of 2013 in Cincinati, even though we knew that she had just endured the loss of Steve....
Jim and I are forever grateful for Lily's Hospitality to Jim's relative, Mr. K.T. Pan from Taiwan, when he did his graduate study in Peoria.
So long Lily, May you find eternal peace in the heavens.

Rita and James Shiue

Kim Siu

March 18, 2015

Outgoing, positive, generous, loyal...just a few of Lily's attributes. She offered my husband and me friendship and warmth when we were new to the area. She will be missed by many.

March 17, 2015

Lily's positive energy touched us all at River City Clubs. Every encounter with your mother was a spiritual uplifting. I hold her spirit in my heart forever. We are all blessed to have experienced her outlook on life and relationships. Mary French

Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results

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1625 W Candletree Drive Suite D, Peoria, IL 61614