Helen Lee Wang

Helen passed away peacefully, with loved ones at her side. Thanks to the love, support and care of her daughter, son, their spouses, grandchildren and close friends, Helen was able to live for many years after her initial diagnosis of lung cancer.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Janet Rakowitz (Scott); her son, Rick Chang (Jessica); her stepdaughter Caroline Wang Roberts (Stephen); and beloved grandchildren Chloe, Kayla and Konnor Rakowitz and Benjamin and Theo Chang. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and they inspired her to continue battling cancer.

Helen was a gifted artist and talented ballroom dancer. She was predeceased by her husband of 23 years, Pe Sheng Wang. She was a devoted wife and loving caregiver, providing round-the-clock care during his final ten months.

Many thanks to all of the team at Suncrest Hospice, who provided her with wonderful care and comfort during her final months.

Here is a description of Helen’s life in her own words.

I was born in Zhejiang Province, China. My father was in the Nationalist military; in 1949 the army helped my parents flee to Taiwan with their three youngest children. As a child, I liked to run around barefoot, play in muddy ditches, catch small eels, and play marbles After I got home from school, I would throw down my book bag and run to the theater to see the end of plays. I was quite playful and very happy.

After I grew up, I came to the realization that my parents raised my two sisters and me with very few resources or money. They insisted that we—three lowly girls—continue our education. Our parents made sure we had a very good education, in spite of their hardships. My heart aches, knowing how much they sacrificed for us.

My father advised me that the best jobs for women were nursing, teaching, and banking, so I participated in the national teacher qualification examination. I got lucky and passed! I became a teacher and taught until I left Taiwan in 1977.

I came to the U.S. without knowing a word of English. I applied for a job as a seamstress in a factory. I had never actually even touched a sewing machine before! I had no idea that as soon as I stepped on the pedal, the fabric would fly away! I panicked and tried to pull the fabric back towards me, tearing the fabric. I begged the manager to let me practice on the sewing machine for a while. At this moment, God took pity on me. After four hours, I produced a beautiful sample, and was hired! You can only imagine my happiness at that moment. This was my very first job in the U.S. Although it was not a high-level job, it was something I accomplished with much difficulty and perseverance. This may seem like a small accomplishment, but to this day, I still speak of it with joy and pride.

In 1978, I moved to California and started studying English in night school. As I recalled my parents’ hopes for me, I built up the courage to apply for a job at Bank of America. I felt so lucky when I was hired! I worked there until I retired in 1998.

In 1989, with my mother’s approval and blessing, I married Pe Sheng Wang. Pe Sheng was a noble man, well-educated, and cultured and generously shared his happiness and success with others

Pe Sheng and I had many wonderful travels with his daughter Caroline and her husband Steve.… England, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Russia, and Hawaii. In 2011, we went to Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the World’s Fair in Shanghai.

My life had many ups and downs. From the age of eight, I experienced an impoverished life, without complaints or regrets. That part of my life taught me how to deal with suffering and hard work. These experiences made me who I am today—an honest and well-grounded person.

My daughter, Janet, and my son, Rick, are both wonderful children and very successful in their careers. They are accomplished at what they do and work very hard. I am so very proud of both of them. My children treat me well and my husband treated me even better. With a life like this, what else could I ask for? I especially want to thank my parents for the person that I am today.

I wish good health and happiness to all my friends.