Mai Lee Aksel, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024, surrounded by her family in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born in 1944 in Taiwan, Mai Lee was one of four children. She traveled the world as an Air Force wife until she settled in Virginia Beach in 1987.
As a devoted member of SGI-USA for over 50 years, Mai Lee was known for her unwavering faith, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for hours daily and sharing Buddhism with many others. She was a cherished member of Salem District, and her warm, encouraging spirit was a beacon at every meeting. Her dedication extended to her role as the Chinese Language Group coordinator, where she diligently supported each member with a nurturing spirit and ensured they were encouraged in their faith.
Mai Lee enjoyed connecting with her family and friends over well-prepared Chinese food and lots of laughter. She looked forward to visiting her siblings during her many trips to her home country and attending the annual Chinese Language Conference at FNCC with fellow SGI-USA members. She will be remembered for her strong faith, her great sense of humor, and the compassion and generosity she shared with everyone.
Mai Lee is survived by her children, Showlee Mendoza and Joe Aksel; her son-in-law, Gil Mendoza; her daughter-in-law, Amanda Aksel; her brothers, Jhao-Guang Wu and Jhao-Hua Wu; and her sister, Chun-Chu Wu.
Her legacy of love, faith, and encouragement will continue to inspire all those whose lives she touched.
