Amherst, MA – Obituary of May Seong Lee (nee Wong) (September 20, 1926 – December 26, 2025)
May passed away in her sleep on December 26, 2025. She almost lived an entire Century, and lived her final 16 years at a beautiful Assisted Living facility – named Casa de las Campanas (San Diego, CA).
You Can Take a Girl Out of Brooklyn…
May Lee was born in the Flatbush area of Brooklyn on September 20, 2026 to her parents, Dick and Fong Shee Wong. She had 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Her high-energy personality and love of dance, led to her being chosento be the “Teaser” of the dragon – in many of the Chinese New Year celebrations. May also organizing USO dances for the Chinese-American U.S. Troops, during World War II.
May was an excellent student, graduating from Brooklyn College – to attain both an Undergraduate Degree and her Master’s Degree in Library Science.
A New Chapter…
After a short courtship of only 6 months May married her “Prince Charming” – Chong Lee, in 1954. Chong was a driven and ambitious – having recently graduated from Tufts Dental School in Boston, MA.
May and Chong had 4 sons: Todd, Jeff, Ron and Ken over a span of 6 years – from 1957 to 1963. They would eventually have 5 Granddaughters and 1 Grandson.
May and Chong lived in 2 different houses on Sunset Avenue (first at #111, then at #146) in Amherst, MA and a house on Larkspur Drive – also in Amherst, MA. Then in 1997, she and Chong made a big move to Hillisborough, NJ for 4 years, and then onto to San Diego, CA – in search of year-round mild weather. She and her husband Chong lived a carefree life -filled with weekly social gatherings and plenty of rounds of golf.
A “Boys’ Mom”…
May’s role as a mother and family matriarch kept her busy, although she did initially work alongside her husband – as the receptionist at his Dental Office. As the 4 Boys grew up, they were certainly a handful. As with most Moms of 4 boys, May had to shop for groceries twice a week, and cook meals as if she were “feeding an army.” Being the Mother of 4 Boys, meant that she had to be very active. Luckily, May was naturally very athletic. Whether it was on the Tennis Court, the Golf Course or at the Bowling Alley – she was graceful and fluid. And cheerful – always with a warm smile on her face.
When May’s boys had gotten older, she started substitute teaching at Wildwood Elementary School, then landed a position as the Librarian at Crocker Farm Elementary School.
A Passion Emerges…
May made a major impact on the curriculum of Crocker Farm, and then she got involved in Multi-cultural Education, for the entire Amherst School system. May was passionate about making sure that racial minorities in the Amherst schools had some role models “who looked like them”- represented in both the school faculty, as well as in the literature and books in the Library.
To Know Her, Was to Lover Her…
Throughout her life, May was known for warm smile and gregarious personality. Back in her day, they used to say that “she has the gift for gab.” Her friends got a kick out of her candor, and so did new acquaintances. But May was also known to be very driven and determined, if the cause meant enough to her. May left an impression on any person or organization – with which she came into contact.
May was a Survivor…
May lost her loving husband Chong, in 2013, at the age of 86. They were married 59 years. She is survived by her sons – Jeff, Ron & Ken. Unfortunately, her eldest son, Todd, passed away recently in November of 2024.
At 99 years old, May was the last one living of her 5 siblings. She was the last of a generation. A generation filled with humility, style and grace. She passed away with few regrets and many great memories. May’s warm smile and even temperament, left a lasting impression on all those who knew and loved her.
Donation Contribution Information: In lieu of sending flowers, please give your donations to the Non-Profit organization – Learning for Justice (www.learningforjustice.org)
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