Jean Lee Yuen

Jean Lee Yuen, age 72, passed away on Friday, May 26, 2023. She was born on February 14, 1951 in Singapore. She spent her early years growing up there, and being raised by a single parent mother. Her father passed away when she was very young. Jean immigrated to America in 1969, and came to Tulsa, Ok. Where she lived & worked with her uncle Don Yee, and Susan Yee. At a party in Tulsa, Ok. is where she met Peter Yuen, who would eventually marry her in 1975. They were married in Vancouver, Canada. In the beginning of these times life was very hard for both of them, because they had very little money, and good jobs were hard to find. So, in 1976 they moved back to Tulsa, Ok. to work with Jean's uncle Don at a restaurant in Tulsa called the "Fortune Chef". In 1977 they had a son named David Yuen. They worked at this restaurant for many years. After about 3 years Peter & Jean decided to take a big step, and open their own Chinese restaurant called the," Hong Kong Restaurant" on 43rd & Sheridan. In the beginning, the restaurant business was very slow, but they both worked very hard and business started picking up. Many people frequented the restaurant & enjoyed Jean & Peter's chinese cooking, and became good friends with the family. Times were hard running a restaurant, but there were many good memories during that time. Because of the restaurant, they were able to support themselves, raise a son, and buy a home. They both worked at this restaurant from Mon-Sat, 10am to 10pm on most days with only Sunday off for over 10 years before they sold it.To this day, the restaurant is still there and is called the Rice Bowl. This is also where David was raised, and spent a great deal of his early life. Raising David was difficult during these years being a first generation Chinese boy in America. Peter & Jean were always working in the restaurant and had little to no extra time, or energy after working all day. Jean used to say she always wished she had more time to spend with her son. Many things were different about the schools, & culture in America, and it was difficult and confusing at times trying to raise a hyperactive kid in Tulsa, Oklahoma. David was not the easiest son to love & deal with during his early years, and into his teens. However difficult times were, Peter & Jean stayed strong for the family, and did the best they could to provide a good life. After about 10 years in the restaurant business, Peter & Jean decided to sell the restaurant & chase their dreams. They always knew they wanted more than just to work in a restaurant for the rest of their lives. At 40 years old they decided to go back to college and try to start new careers. As a man in his 40's now, I couldn't imagine how much stress & anxiety that must have been to take a risk like that. Peter went to school to become a computer programmer and graduated with a computer degree from TCC. He was able to find a computer job and eventually went to work at a good company called TV Guide. During this time Jean also went back to school for nursing, and became a RN at 42 years old. Jean graduated from TCC Nursing School in 1993, and received her RN license. Once she received her license she began working at St. John's hospital. She worked at St. Johns for over 20 years, and met many other wonderful nurses, and Dr. 's who she became good friends with. She worked in many different positions at St. Johns from 1993 to 2019. Jean retired from St. Johns in 2019, and spent most of her time loving her family. Jean loved her family more than anything, and sacrificed her time, energy and finances. She almost never spent money buying herself things, but would give anything to her son, grandson, and granddaughters. Jean was an awesome cook, and seemed to be able to cook the most special dishes out of love. Some of our favorites were her special fried rice, honey chicken, & salt & pepper ribs. Jean also never wanted us to wash her dishes after dinners, even though we tried countless times to convince her we could do it almost as good as her, lol. Jean was a nurse by profession, but she was also the main person in the house who took care of Peter, David, Austin, Jia, & Jaylee whenever one of us got sick. She took us to the Dr., set appointments, and made sure we took our meds. She never let us down even once. Jean helped raise her grandson Austin Yuen from the time he was 4 until her passing. Jean loved Austin more than anything, and was very proud of him and loved just watching him grow & thrive. She also loved her granddaughters Jia, & Jaylee Yuen who she spoiled, cooked for, and picked up from the bus stop almost everyday. Jean also loved her son David, who she helped and supported through so much in his teen years, and into adult years. She helped him financially start a business, and believed in him all his life. She instilled a great sense of unconditional love, and hard work. Jean was the most giving, and unselfish person I've ever known. She would always reach out to others to help, and give her support. Jean helped many friends, and family during their times of need. Even taking people to Doctor's appointments, and making sure they had food. In her passing, Jean was laughing on the phone, and did not suffer in the end. The last person she saw was her grandson Austin. After all of Jean's hard work, and sacrifice throughout these years, we will always remember the good times, and the core things like love, & family that she instilled in all of us. We know we will see you again mom. You will forever live in our hearts. We love you. Memorial Service will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Jean Lee Yuen

February 14, 1951 - May 26, 2023