Tina Tong Yee

September 19, 1946 - May 14, 2022

Dr. Tina Tong Yee, age 75, passed away on May 14, 2022 at her home in San Francisco surrounded by her family. She had bravely battled cancer for 3 years. A wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and psychologist, she was a woman of compassion and personal strength. Her home was a loving gathering place for all holiday celebrations and meals for her extended family and friends. An all-time favorite was her special vegetarian “jai” dish slow cooked in a huge pot.

Tina was born on September 19, 1946 in Honolulu, Hawaii to James and Katy (Wong) Tong, then left for college in San Francisco where she later married her childhood sweetheart Edwin Yee. She received her Ph.D. degree from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA in Clinical Psychology. She dedicated her career to ensuring that the San Francisco behavioral health system provided culturally competent services and empowered clients through work opportunities and peer support.

She was a director at the Community Behavioral Health Services in the City and County of San Francisco Department of Public Health, a board member for non-profit organizations, a consultant, and later opened a private practice as a psychologist helping individuals and families.

As an Asian American woman, she understood only too well the racial and gender inequalities existing in our society, and advocated for equality and justice. As a consultant to corporations on diversity and cultural competence, she led seminars, trained and coached staff.

Her passion for seeing the world led her on travels and cruises through six continents with family and friends. Her roots in Hawaii brought her back to the islands at least twice a year.

Tina is survived by her husband Edwin, sons Tyson (Irene), Kuo, Kuan (Samantha), grandchildren Emily, Koby, Justin, Brandon, Miles, and sisters Carolyn and Ginger.

A private memorial service will be held on June 17th followed by a Celebration of Life for her.