Beatrice Chao Chung-Yin Lee

Beatrice Chao was born on September 9,1931 and raised in Nanking, China. Her father, Lieutenant General Chao Shih-rui, mother, Edith (Feng Hsien-wen) an elementary school principal and younger brother, Robert, moved frequently as a military family.

Despite moving from Nanking to Chechiang to Chungking to Hsiamen to Taipei, she was always an exceptional student. She attended no fewer than eight middle and high schools, including Nankai Chunghsüeh and graduating from Chienkuo Chunghsüeh (finishing #1 in the previously all-boys school) in Taipei, Republic of China. She immigrated to America in 1950 to attend college, sponsored by Archbishop Paul Yu-pin and Cardinal Francis Spellman, receiving a full scholarship at the College of Mount St. Vincent (Riverdale). Discouraged from studying science and mathematics (not for women in the early 1950s), she majored in Social Studies and achieved a minor in Fine Arts. In New York, she met Raymond (Lee Rai-tsing), who immigrated in 1949, obtained a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, and was teaching at the Pratt Institute, during her college years. Shortly after graduation, Beatrice and Raymond were married in New York City on June 12,1954 at Holy Trinity Church by Archbishop Yu-pin.

Raymond’s employment as a leather coating specialist brought them to Grand Haven MI (where Patrick and Paul were born) to Salem, MA (where Phyllis and Peter were born) and to Reading, MA (where Priscilla was born). A life-altering decision was made in 1967 when they were naturalized as American citizens instead of returning to mainland China due to political turmoil in their homeland. Raymond established a urethane manufacturing company (Lee Chemicals, Inc.) in Leominster, MA. The family moved to Winchester, MA for the excellent public high school and later to West Medford, after all had graduated.

Beatrice and Raymond were among the founding members of the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association, the Newton Chinese Language School and the Chinese Family Camp over 60 years ago, all of which are thriving institutions today.

Beatrice returned to graduate school completing Master’s degrees in Education and Social Work from Northeastern University in 1969. She taught mathematics to secondary school students in Winchester, MA and Arlington, MA before starting a career working for Elder Services for the State of Massachusetts in 1974. She was an accomplished and efficient case manager until retirement in 1993.

She was a prolific poet and literary author from her youth through her 90s. She served as a Mandarin-English translator for new immigrants and in legal situations. Beatrice was honored by the Medford Senior Center, citing her volunteer contributions for the Asian elder community. She was a reporter for bilingual newspapers (Sino-American Times, Boston Chinese News, and Overseas Chinese Weekly), as well as online publications (Bostonese.com). Her column “Graceful Wandering” (Xiao Sa Ge Chu You) garnered a loyal audience, and her arts\entertainment critiques provided colorful insights on the greater Boston scene for over 30 years. Beatrice was awarded a Distinguished Alumna Award (Ad Laudem Dei - “To the praise of God”) from the College of Mount St. Vincent in 2016.

In retirement, she and Raymond established a Foundation for Better Persons with the goal of inspiring their fellow citizens to treat all with respect and to help others in need. Beatrice and Raymond were accomplished ballroom dancers into their late 60s. They supported their family with values of love and kindness to others, always emphasizing the importance of education.

Beatrice was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Raymond (2010) and a grandchild Benjamin (2017). She is survived by five children, Patrick (Barbra) Lee of Longmeadow, MA, Paul (Cornelia) Lee of Wilmington, MA, Phyllis (Mark) Lee Spaulding of Wilmington, NC, Peter (Jiliana) Lee of Lexington, MA, and Priscilla (Marlene) Lee of Somerville, MA, many loving grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Beatrice is also survived by two brothers, Robert (Wan-ru) of Sunnyvale, CA and Ji-ping (San-san) Chao of Los Angeles, CA and nephews, Calvin (Karen) Chao and Clinton (Allison) Chao, both of Menlo Park, CA.

After a tragic taxi accident on December 2, 2023, Beatrice suffered debilitating injuries and was confined to a wheelchair. She spent two months at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, adjusting to her new life, continuously focusing on what she was capable of doing, rather than her limitations. She transferred to a long-term care facility in Concord, MA, on Valentine’s Day, 2024. She maintained her optimistic outlook, taking family and visitors, and visiting other residents daily, until she passed peacefully in her sleep on January 20. Her friendship to all and her love of life will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A private cremation ceremony was held on January 28th with her family in attendance and interment will be in Story Chapel Columbarium in Mt Auburn Cemetery in a private ceremony.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at St Joseph Catholic Church (118 High St, Medford, MA), followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon at 12:30 PM, at Boston Marriott Newton (2345 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA). Please RSVP to Paul (781) 325-5608 or Peter (781)-608-0011.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beatrice's memory to University of Mount St. Vincent, Office of Advancement, 6301 Riverdale Avenue, Riverdale, New York 10471 or through the link: https://mountsaintvincent.edu/support-the-mount/give-online/annual-fund/