Tung Hoy Lee

Tung Hoy Lee passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025. She was born on December 16, 1925, in Bok Kai Village, Taishan, Guangdong Province, China, to the late Wing Shue and Mack Shee Louie. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

In 1947, Tung Hoy married Chew Wing Lee in China. She immigrated to the United States in 1954 and, upon arriving in New York City, worked in the garment industry before moving to New Orleans in 1956. Tung Hoy and her late husband opened and operated Wing Lee Laundry in the French Quarter, where they provided a much-needed service to their community. For over 48 years, she warmly greeted friends, neighbors, and customers before retiring.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Tung Hoy was a constant source of unwavering support. She was gracious and generous to her family and to many others whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her children, Gim Chiappetta, May Denstedt (Arthur), Esther Gin (John), and James Lee (Linda); her grandchildren, Anisse Peters (Rob), Lauren Thomas (Kyle), Leslie Latimer (Keith), Jacqueline Buchholz (Christopher), and Stephen Lee; and her great-grandchildren, Craig, Ella, Jacob, Ava, Hayden, Leah, and Nathan.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Chew Wing Lee; her son-in-law, Bill Chiappetta; and her granddaughter, Elizabeth Gin.

The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Katy for her loving care and dedication to Tung Hoy.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. A prayer service will follow at noon.