Edith Yee

All who knew Edith Yee would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She lived a rich and rewarding life filled with so many things she loved, but what made these experiences so extraordinary was sharing them with the ones she loved. Edith was known for her strong work ethic, and she gave everything she did her all. A loving wife and devoted mother, there was no greater gift in her life than her family. Blessed to share most of her life with her true love, Edith witnessed her family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loved ones who made her so very proud. Life will never be the same without Edith here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

The 1930s were a decade unlike any other in our nation’s history as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Although we faced many trials during that time, we still experienced the completion of the Empire State Building and the first ever Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Amidst this eventful time was a time of great joy in the lives of a bustling family from Columbus, Ohio, as Edith Lillian was born on May 26, 1934. She was one of nine as she was joined in her family by her siblings, Audry, Mary, Joann, Linda, Francis, Helen, Diane, and Butch.

In many ways Edith was a young girl of her generation. Her father worked as a carpenter while her mother was a homemaker. Edith wore hand-me-downs from her two older sister since money was in short supply with such a large family. She was known to get into her fair share of mischief at times such as the time Edith and her older sister tried to kill a chicken to eat since they were hungry. Since they only used a butter knife, the chicken didn’t actually die, and her mother was furious because that chicken was her best laying hen. Their family did end up having chicken for dinner that night, however. Edith attended local schools, and as a teen she loved horror movies. On one occasion she was so scared by the movie that she actually bit the stranger next to her! While in high school she dated a young man named Charles Baufman, but it would be someone else who would forever hold the key to her heart.

It was while working at a restaurant that she met the man of her dreams. His name was Dale Yee, and his father owned the restaurant where she worked. They began dating, and it didn’t take the couple long to fall deeply in love. With the desire to spend the rest of their lives together Edith and Dale were married, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span 42 years. Together they welcomed four children including John, Brenda, Tom, and Jean into their hearts and home. Edith loved being a mother, and her family was her greatest source of pride and joy. She especially looked forward to the holidays as it was a time for the whole family to be together. For years her parents came from Ohio to spend time celebrating together. Later on, Edith was thrilled to become a grandmother, and she was blessed with nine grandchildren and then 17 great-grandchildren as well. She always said that she grew up with her kids, and since she was young at heart Edith loved playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A dog lover, she had several pets who were treasured companions and additional members of her family. In fact, it has even been said that her dogs were loved above everyone else! As her family can attest, Edith was known for her 30 day rule, which stated that after 30 days in her house, any dog became her dog!

Throughout her life Edith was someone who lived an active lifestyle and preferred to be busy. In addition to caring for her home and family, she spent 45 years working in the Chinese restaurant business, ending her career at Dale Yee Chow Mein. Edith did some traveling including trips to China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and she also went on several cruises. In addition, since she loved visiting casinos she took some trips out to Las Vegas. Edith enjoyed fishing, playing Bingo with friends, and playing computer games. Edith’s family would also attest to how much Edith fought with Siri just trying to send a simple email since Siri struggled to follow Edith’s commands. Usually, Edith just ended up calling Siri stupid! Edith enjoyed sewing, puzzles, and loved both Elvis and Engelbert Humperdinck. Her love for horror movies remained, and she also liked war movies and The Walking Dead. Edith hated sports, especially football. When she lost her husband, Edith’s favorite song became, “Now I Know.”

Laid-back, easy going, and genuine, Edith Yee was a blessing in the lives of those around her. She was a peacemaker who avoided conflict and was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. Edith made the most of every day she was given, and her love for life was easy to see. Deeply cherished, she will be forever missed.

Edith Lillian Yee, age 84, passed away March 4, 2019. Beloved wife of the late Dale Yee. Cherished mother of John (Teresa), Brenda (John) Dicicco, Tom (Elaine), Jean (Brett) Holland and Adored Stepmother of Li-Gin Li, Mei-Gin Wong. Dearest grandmother of nine. Loving great-grandmother of fifteen. Also survived by three sisters and one brother. Predeceased by four sisters. Memorial donations may be made to Arbor Hospice. A visitation will be held Friday 2-8 pm followed by a funeral service on Saturday 10am at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Road, Livonia.