Sarah Lee Ngai

Born May 7, 1944, in Guang Xi, China, to Sze Yuen Lee and Sau Kwan Cheng Lee, Sarah lived a life defined by faith, compassion, and love for family and church community. She moved to Hong Kong when she was young with her parents. She completed high school at The True Light School of Hong Kong. After having a few jobs, Sarah was introduced to James by her uncle whom she married in 1969.

Sarah and James had three children, Lillian, John, and Vivian. She was a stay home mom, not only taking care of her own children but also her mother, father and mother-in-law.

Sarah and her family moved to Portland, Oregon in 1988. Due to work, James had to go back to Hong Kong for about two years before his retirement from the Hong Kong government. She started her journey in the restaurant business. Even with the busy restaurant, Sarah insisted that Sunday is a holy day and did not work on Sundays.

Sarah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her grounded wisdom, her passion towards cooking, and generosity. She had used her gift of cooking to serve her church community. She was the key member of the Caring team. Many new mothers had been nourished by Sarah’s famous Pork Knuckles and Ginger Stew.

Just before the COVID pandemic, Sarah had a fall at her doorstep that resulted in two major surgeries. Her path to healing was lengthy, but she made steady progress. However, during the pandemic, being confined at home weakened her mobility. In more recent years, dementia further affected her health. Even so, throughout every trial, she remained steadfast in her faith, relying deeply on God’s grace and strength.

She is survived by her husband, James; her children, Lillian (Timothy) Ng, John (Dianna) Ngai, and Vivian Ngai; her grandchildren, Samantha Ng, Ellianna Ngai, Sarina Ng, and Annabella Ngai; her sisters-in-law, Shirley, Alice, and Laura; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday August 22, 2005 at 11 am at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary & Sunset Hills Memorial Park (6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR 97225).