Obituary of Hyman Yee

Life of Hyman Yee Hyman Yee was born on February 2, 1939 in Detroit, MI to his parents, Chong Lai Yee and Mar Shee Ma. He was the youngest of eight children. His siblings were Henry, Howard, Harold, Helen, Jack, Herbert and Alice. Beginning with Hymans early life, it is noted he attended Detroit schools and graduated from Chadsey High School. His parents earned a living operating a laundry---the New Fashion Laundry on Warren Avenue. The laundry was at the front of the building and family lived in the rear. Space was scarce. Bedrooms were makeshift and beds were separated by a curtain. Hyman was always envious of his friends who lived in a "regular" house. Hyman was expected to do laundry work. He particularly did not like handling soiled baby diapers. Back in those days, there were no disposable diapers. Later, his parents opened a restaurant adjacent to the laundry---the Li Po Inn. Hyman often said the restaurant was a gold mine compared to the laundry. It brought in profits much easier and quicker than the laundry. By the time Hyman was 20, he had met his first love, Viola. They married and had a daughter named Cathy. Unfortu- nately, the marriage ended after several years. While attending Wayne State University for undergraduate studies, he met his second love, Rose. They married in 1964 and shared almost 52 years together. Hyman joined the Army Reserve and faced a six year obligation. During this period, he set his sights on medical school. He applied and was accepted at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine; he graduated in 1970. He returned to Detroit for an internship at the Art Centre Osteopathic Hospital. Following the internship, he completed a residency with the Myron Barlow dermatology group in Grosse Pointe. With schooling and medical training completed, Hyman eventually opened his own office. He built a successful dermatology practice in Utica, MI. He was in private practice for almost 30 years. Rose was the office receptionist and easily kept the books utilizing her business degree. The Chicago College of Medicine and the Army Reserve gave Hyman his two best lifelong friends. He met Jimmie Leleszi in Chicago. Hyman and Jimmie were roommates while pursuing their medical degrees. Hyman became a dermatologist and Jimmie became a child psychiatrist. The two were "brothers" and the relationship was shared with their families for over 50 years. Hyman and Rose developed a loving lasting bond with Jimmie and his wife Laura and their two daughters (Elizabeth and Katherine). He met Donnie Wong while in the Army Reserve. Hyman was assigned cook duty. He always served Donnie extra food recognizing he was a fellow Asian. They developed a friendship that lasted beyond the Army Reserve days. Donnie and his wife Vivian reside in NY and Hyman attended the weddings of their children. Throughout the years, Donnie and Vivian visited Hyman and Rose during MI vacations. Hyman lost both his parents within a seven year time span. His father, Chong Lai Yee, passed in 1969 and his mother, Mar Shee Ma, passed in 1976. They were both buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Detroit. During their years together, Hyman and Rose celebrated holidays with Roses siblings. Ron Gee hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas. Lily Gee hosted Fourth of July. Hyman and Rose hosted Easter and Tein Mein. Tein Mein is the tradition of preparing and taking food to the parents gravesites at the cemetery. This annual custom is a way to remember and honor parents. Hyman and Rose enjoyed vacation time. They travelled to China, London, Alaska, San Francisco and many places in the U.S. They were especially fond of San Franciscos Chinatown. They loved movies and went every Wednesday to a movie theater. Rose loved Johnny Mathis and they attended his concerts whenever possible. Hyman had several hobbies. He enjoyed biking with his brother-in-law, Bob Hollenshead. He learned to ice skate, and although Rose did not skate, she would go to the rink and watch. In 2014, Hyman and Rose celebrated their 50th anniversary. They hosted a dinner for family and friends to help mark this special occasion. It was a happy time. Both Hyman and Rose had health issues; his issues were acute while her issues were chronic. In her later years, Roses problems required regular time-consuming treatment. Hyman always noted that Rose never complained. When it became clear that quality of life was not part of the plan, Rose decided to stop treatment. Sadly, Rose passed in 2016. Hyman was lonely and lost without Rose; life became a challenge. Following his tremendous loss, Cathy and Joe (Cathys husband) along with Marcy and Vic, provided continuous support and care. They often placed Hymans needs above their own to ensure he was well cared for. Eventually, Hyman sold his house and moved to a senior living facility. Hyman became infected with the coronavirus. He was hospitalized at Beaumont Hospital for nine days. Initially, the staff was able to manage his symptoms and keep him stable. Near the end, Hymans condition declined, and he passed peacefully on April 13, 2020. Cathy and Joe were able to be with him during his final hours. Hyman is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Joe and their children: Gabrielle, Tim, Hannah, Matt, Zachary, Abby, Daniel and Merry. He is also survived by his brother Howard (Lucy), sister-in-laws May, Rose, Seiko, Elaine, sister-in-law Lily (Bob), brother in-law Ron, cousin Marson Ma and many nephews and nieces: Gene (Lily), Marcy (Vic), Pam (Ron), Ron, Victoria, Lydia (Christian), Mac (Allyson), Lisa (Dale), Shirley, Susan (Kumar), Leo (Julia), April (Michael), Shalin, Carolyn, Jennifer (Steve), Penny Ann, Myra (Mike), Carolyn (Tim), Charlotte, Lori (Tom), Lillian (Jim), Linda (John), Lisa (Kevin) and Steve (Annie). Hyman also had a host of great nephews and nieces as well as great, great nephews and nieces.