Nora King Lun Luke Lee

Nora King Lun Luke Lee was the second of four Luke children. She was born on October 31, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois to Mr. Kang Ching Luke and Mrs.Yee Chin Chan Luke. When she was an infant, the entire family relocated back to China for career opportunities and a genteel upbringing. She returned to the United States in 1941 at the start of World War II and worked as a Key Punch Operator for the United States Government. Nora attended the Chinese Episcopal Methodist Church on Stockton and Washington Streets, and she regularly sang in the church choir. She met Gim Lee at the San Francisco Chinatown YMCA, and they married on May 30, 1953 in Boulder, Colorado. Shortly thereafter, they returned to settle in San Francisco, bought a house in the Richmond District, and raised a family of two boys.

Nora Lee was a housewife and mother, an accomplished pianist, as well as a skilled seamstress and knitter. Although she frequently appeared reserved in nature, Nora insisted on "quality," meaning she wanted the best for herself and her family, always. She often reminisced of childhood experiences in China where she lived in luxury when the family had servants. When her children were grown, she and Gim moved to Edmunton, Alberta, Canada for his work. After several years, they again returned to San Francisco, and Gim retired from Bechtel after 46 years with that company. Thenceforth, they freely travelled to Europe, vacationed in Paris, Spain, England, and Hawaii. They also enjoyed visiting with friends at various senior activity centers in the City.

Nora Luke Lee passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 2nd. She is survived by her devoted husband, Gim; by eldest son Norman and his wife Sharon along with their children Kallie and Gina; by son Wayland and his wife Elizabeth along with their children Kenneth and Jessica. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The Lee family members would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of you.