Hilda Chi Chung Lee

Hilda Chi Chung Lee passed away on April 1, 2021 from complications of pneumonia. Daughter of Un Tin Yau and Pang Pui Wa, Hilda’s life began ninety-one years ago in Hong Kong. She lived through WWII during her early teens, during which her education was interrupted for several years. After marrying her husband, Norman, she joined him in Washington, DC in 1950. She was one of the early immigrants who was processed at Ellis Island, New York. She and Norman were married for 72 years.

Life in America was a harsh reality for Hilda. She had to learn English quickly, and worked in the family laundry business daily for the next 15 years, while taking care of her children. After the family sold the laundry located in the Georgetown district of DC, the location became the site of the historic 1789 restaurant. Norman and Hilda moved the family to the Maryland suburbs in 1967. Hilda learned to drive and enjoyed the freedom to shop without having to take the bus.

Wanting to stay active, she studied hard and passed the exam to earn her cosmetology license. She practiced as a hair stylist in Rockville for some years (and still gave family haircuts into her eighties), until the family opened and operated a Chinese gift and grocery store called the Fortune Cookie on Rockville Pike in the 70s. The store was one of the first of its kind in Montgomery County. Customers came from as far away as West Virginia to shop and visit with Hilda. Later, Hilda would conclude her working life as a credit bureau assistant, and a circuitry assembler.

Still active after retirement, Hilda returned to Hong Kong and China with Norman for many school reunions. At the age of 77, she hiked up Huangshan Mountain and the Great Wall! When not traveling, she looked forward to the monthly luncheons with friends at various local Chinese restaurants.

Hilda raised a daughter, Lisa (David), and two sons, Marvin (Kathy) and Dennis. She enjoyed babysitting her three grandchildren (Alison, Kevin, and Jason) when they were toddlers, and was extremely proud of their academic achievements and career successes as they became adults. She happily welcomed grandson-in-law, Kealan, into her growing family. When Hilda became a great-grandmother to four great-granddaughters, she was thrilled to watch them grow and loved their amusing antics. Sadly, she never had the chance to meet baby Ruby.

She was a long-term member of the Montgomery Chinese Baptist Church. The family is grateful that she found friendship, comfort, and support from the ministry and its members.

Hilda was a resident at an AlfredHouse care facility for the last part of her life. The family is appreciative of the devoted care she received there.

She was predeceased by her three sisters, Connie, Lily, and Norma and by her brother, Peter. She is survived by her husband and immediate family, and by numerous friends and loving relatives, including sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and their families stateside, as well as in Canada and Hong Kong.

A private family viewing will be held on Monday, April 5. A graveside service is scheduled on Thursday, April 8, at 11:00 a.m. Capacity is limited due to covid restrictions. Masks are required for those attending.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.