Lila Lai-Kuen Lee

April 28, 1937 - May 11, 2022

Lila Lai-Kuen Lee was born in Toishan, China on April 28, 1937. She grew up during WW2 and lived with her mother and older brother, as her father had gone to the United States to seek a better life for his young family.

When the war ended, Lila attended school in Canton. After graduating high school, she attended Wah Nam Teacher Training College. When the Communist Party took over China, she moved with her mother and brother to Hong Kong. While in Hong Kong, she earned a permit to teach primary school.

In 1963, Lila married Wilkin Lee and came to the United States where she reunited with her father, mother, and brother, and raised three children: Terry, Evans, and Doreen.

While raising her children and caring for elderly in-laws, Lila learned English and earned her Associate of Arts degree in Child Development from Merritt College. She dreamed of teaching children in the United States as she had in Hong Kong. Upon graduation, she achieved her dream when she was hired into the Oakland Public Schools system. She became one of the district’s first Bilingual Liaisons plus Teaching Assistants and held the position for 27 years, making lifelong friends and enriching the lives of hundreds of children.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years Wilkin, her brother Wing K. Leong (Yet Leong), and her three children: Terry (Cindy Fong), Evans (Carol Lee), Doreen (Richard Young). She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Gabriel, Cameron, Audrey, and Charlotte, as well as many dear relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, California, on Saturday, June 11th at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Lila’s honor to the Chinese Congregational Church located in San Francisco, California.