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Chester Lee Obituary
02/23/1922 - 09/06/2024
Chester B. Lee, 102, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024. He was born on February 23, 1922 to Lee Mong Wah and Louie Gay Ho. A lifelong San Franciscan, he attended Francisco MS, Galileo HS and in his teens went to the Lingnan University Overseas School in Canton, China. He is also an alumnus of Golden Gate University.
He had been married to Rafaela Lim-- the love of his life-- for over 75 years, when she passed away in 2021. Together they worked at their Lee's Uptown Grocery Store. In his next career he worked for the Longshoremen's Union and was a proud member of ILWU 10, Local 34. He was also a member of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, SF Chinatown Lions Club, Golden Hill and SF Chinese Golf Clubs.
He served in the army in WWII and in March of 2021 was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of that service.
He was an avid SF Giants, 49ers and Warriors fan. Daily, he checked the Chronicle's sporting green to schedule his viewing. In his later years, he delighted in watching rom coms. "Pretty Woman" and "Crazy Rich Asians" were among his favorites.
His mind was sharp until the end. He'd regale his family with stories of his youth and the restaurant his father owned in Chinatown. He loved mahjong and gin rummy and played to win.
His family will deeply miss him. He is survived by children Marilyn Koehler (Frank), Lizzie (Tilton) Kenneth and John (Donna). He was adored by grandchildren Matt (Tanya), Chris (Shara), Liana (Jarrod), Ben (Elizabeth) Amy and Jessica (Masashi). He was a big presence to great-grandchildren Ayla, Madeleine, Ash, Luna, Daria and Maya.
Chester is survived by his sister Margie Louie and a large extended family. His siblings Mabel, Frances, Jane, Ellen, Mae and Hanson predeceased him.
The family is especially grateful to Dr. Carolyn Welty and caregiver Jone Batiratu who were so attentive to him.
Donations in Chester's name may be made to his two favorite charities: On Lok and Cameron House.
Services will be held at McAvoy O'Hara Evergreen Mortuary located at 4545 Geary Blvd, SF at 11 AM September 20, 2024.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chester Lee
Sponsored by Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara The Evergreen Mortuary.
3 Entries
Doreen Sing
September 16, 2024
Auntie Rafaela and Uncle Chester were truly remarkable relatives who always made family their top priority. I have fond memories of our family meals together, whether a birthday party, a holiday, or just gathering for a meal. Auntie Rafaela was a fantastic chef-there wasn´t a dish she couldn´t make ideally.
Throughout the years, Auntie Rafaela and Uncle Chester consistently supported family events. After my son, Alexander, was born, they were there for his first birthday and continued celebrating milestones, including his 21st birthday. Their love and dedication to family were unwavering, and their presence at these moments made them even more special.
Nadia Diab
September 15, 2024
Khalil and I met Chester and his late wife Rafaela many years ago. We became friends so quickly. They were very kind, thoughtful and supportive. We were lucky to have met them. Because Rafael and I loved to shop in SF stores, Chester was always kind enough to drive us from their home to downtown, then wait for us to treat us for lunch, then take us back home. One time, of the many times, Khalil and Chester, Rafaela and I went out to dinner. He invited us to a very nice restaurant in China Town, we still talk about the amount of crab legs Chester ordered, and how much we ate that night. We appreciate all the great times we got together with them, especially the all the family celebrations. We are so lucky to have met them, and we miss them dearly. Rest In Peace Chester and Rafaela. Until we meet again, we love.
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11:00 a.m.
Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara4545 Geary Blvd. at Tenth Ave., San Francisco, CA 94118
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Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara4545 Geary Blvd. at Tenth Ave., San Francisco, CA 94118
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