Elizabeth Kwang Lee

Elizabeth Lee passed away on Wednesday, January 16, 2013. She was born September 16, 1926 in Canton, China, the daughter of Dr. Cheng Yang Hsu and Prof. Pearl Wu Hsu. Elizabeth was the retired head of the microbiology lab and senior researcher at the University of Michigan Hospitals with 35 years of service. Elizabeth served during WWII as a nurse in a Quaker ambulance unit on the Burma Road in China. After the war, Elizabeth left China and received a scholarship at the University of Virginia Westhampton College where she received her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. She then received a scholarship to the University of Michigan (U of M) where she earned her Master's degree in Microbiology, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. While at the university, she met her husband, Harry Lee, who also graduated from the U of M, marrying in 1954. Elizabeth stayed at the U of M with the Microbiology department. Her work at the U of M included heading the Microbiology Lab and teaching graduate courses. Her expertise was in fungal infections and was part of the team that discovered Legionnaires disease. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor for over 60 years where she dedicated her time with the Christian education, Women's circles and teaching Sunday school. Elizabeth enjoyed travelling to many different countries, serving her church, spending time with family and friends, and aerobics. She is survived by her son, David, daughter-in-law, Caroline, and grandson, Andrew; as well as her brothers, Stephen and John, and sisters, Grace and Ruth. She was predeceased by her husband, Harry. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 20 from 2-8 PM at the Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 South Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor. A memorial service followed by a lunch will take place on Monday, January 21 at 10:30 AM at the First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, 517 East Washington Street, Ann Arbor, with Rev. Paul and Stacey Duke officiating. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, 517 E. Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

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