Ping Yat Yee passed away peacefully with family present on January 8, 2026 at Mon Sheong Long-Term Care Centre in Stouffville, Ontario Canada. It was her 86th year.
Ping was born an only child in a small remote village in Guangdong, China. As a young girl, she was sent to a boarding school in Hong Kong to be educated where she was regularly top of her class. After graduating, she joined her father in Philadelphia, USA to seek a better life and greater opportunities. She was soon introduced to her husband Ken Yee. They were married 56 years. Together they raised their family of four children and ran a thriving electronics store ‘Ken’s TV’ in Cobourg, ON for over 30 years.
Ping came to Canada unable to speak a word of English but quickly adapted to her new culture and country largely by watching soap operas. She had a unique way of showing care for her family, often through actions rather than words. Ping did her best to promote and instill Chinese traditions and values within the household despite her husband’s insistence that their family embrace Canadian culture and speak English as their first language. An independent, resilient, ambitious person, Ping enlisted her father-in-law’s help to purchase an apartment building. She relished the status associated with being a landlord.
In 1993 Ken and Ping sold the business and retired to Toronto. In retirement they enjoyed many trips including Europe, Australia, Russia, China, Hawaii and across Canada. Ping enjoyed gardening, shopping, tai-chi, music and watching her favorite Chinese television shows.
Ping was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Ken Yee (deceased May 25, 2015). She is survived by her four children: Douglas (Fanny) Yee, Steven (Anchie) Yee, Nancy (Steve) Bock and Andrew Yee as well as ten grandchildren.
Ping will be remembered for her colorful personality, memorable sayings, perseverance and unique set of rules for life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who wish to further express sympathy kindly consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario, Canada (https://alzheimer.ca/on/en), Mon Sheong Stouffville Long-Term Care Centre (https://www.monsheong.org/ways-to-give/tribute-giving) or a charity of your choice. Links are provided under the Donations tab. Thank you so much!
Visitation will be followed by a final farewell for family members at 10:30a.m. then burial shortly afterwards.
Photos of Ping’s long and wonderful life are still being added so please be sure to check back!
Funeral Details
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Visitation
Elgin Mills Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
1591 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill, ON, CANADA, L4S 1M9
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Friday, 16 Jan 2026 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Funeral
Elgin Mills Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
1591 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill, ON, CANADA, L4S 1M9
Get Directions