Gloria Lee (Woon Choy)

gloria lee (woon choy)
Gloria Lee (Woon Choy) was the second child of John Wong You and Jemima Victoria Wong, nee East.

She is survived by her husband Carl Lee; children – Beverly, Marcia, and Michael Woon Choy, and Sonia Sykes. Son-in-law – Steven Sykes.

Siblings – Tony, Lloyd, and Audrey Wong; Grand-children – Daniella and Jordan; In-laws – Phyllis, Mona, and Denise Wong, Richard and Icy Lee, Myrtle Rose and Vashti Lue-Shing; Step-children – Patsy Frater, Joseph and Joanna Lee.

Step-grandchildren – Colin, Helena, Hinata and Mai-Lee; niece, Suzanne Wong, many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends in Jamaica, USA, Canada, UK (London and Wales); and special friends from Desnoes and Geddes (Red Stripe Beer) and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.



We are so blessed that her family, children and grandchildren, husband and caregivers were by her bedside at her daughter, Sonia's home.



Our mom is our hero and inspiration, who taught us all about strength and courage in adversity, and an enduring faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ whom we serve.



When our father Roy Woon Choy died so many years ago, and mom was left with 3 daughters who were 9, 6, and 5 years old, and a son 11 months, she could have given up.

But she lived for her children and overcame many challenges, with God by her side, along with many good family and friends.

We owe our lives and where we are today, to all the sacrifices she made.

20 years ago, when she was diagnosed with a heart condition, doctors gave her 5 years to live.

But our “Miracle mom” lived 20 more years, seemingly willing herself to be around to see both grandkids graduate from high school, which she did, and she even lived to see Daniella achieve her Master's in Psychology and Beverly receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy🙏🏼.

Mom we love you, and thank you for all you did for us, and we know you are now resting comfortably in the palm of God’s hands💕💕💕🙏🏼.



Due to the current restrictions, instead of the customary church service, a small private burial in Jamaica will be held at a date to be announced.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests donations be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (2 Berwyn Ave., Kingston 20, Jamaica; 1-876-933-9303) and to the Missionaries of the Poor (https://missionariesofthepoor.org/).

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Guestbook

  1. My mother was a remarkable and courageous woman. She taught me so many of life’s valuable and important lessons. Mom toiled hard to provide for us her children to ensure we had all we needed if not what we wanted. A woman filled with faith and a very strong believer in Christ. Thank you, mom, for all you did for me and for our family. Sadly missed, your “one” son, Michael

  2. My memory of Aunt Gloria always smiling whenever I see her she would always give me a hug and kiss on the cheek. I remember when Marica took us out frozen yogurt and I was taking a picture of her and she gave me the most lovely smile .I will miss seeing her outside with her plants and those warm hugs.

  3. Mom, our many roads trip together to the North Coast were such fun even when I wasn’t sure if you still knew me. What’s important is that I KNOW YOU??????

  4. Aunt Gloria was a huge part of my formative years and whenever I think of her three words are inextricably linked: discipline, compassion, and love. She had tremendous love for family and although she insisted on keeping the “trains running on time” she executed her daily activities with much compassion. Memories of “6 Merrick Highway” include the enjoyable birthday parties she had for the kids and her baking on the weekends. I believe that she is responsible for my strong love of cake frosting. As a little boy I remember listening to her conversations and thinking how smart and well-read she was. Also really enjoyed going to the beach with Aunt Gloria and Uncle Roy and looked forward to the excitement that always accompanied those excursions. We shared a great time in Jamaica in 2014 and I certainly felt a connection when we saw Aunt Gloria in December 2019. Aunt Gloria will forever be in my heart.

  5. A piece of my heart went with you. You were my voice when I couldn’t speak. You were my mentor, my family, my friend. I’ll always remember you for your kindness, advice, and wisdom in making me the person I am. Love you Gloria! Rest in peace.

  6. Gloria and I loved to grow cacti, roses, orchids and loved Art. She was very supportive in encouraging my choice of career and was my first Art agent. She and Mom were devout Christians who also share a love for the English language (Mom, a Shakespearean scholar), taught her three daughters to garden and her sons to appreciate Nature. I could recite Portia in The Merchant of Venice before I went to high school from her recitations. Gloria also was an accomplished English Literature and Language scholar, a brilliant stenographer, with outstanding Pittman and Greig shorthand expertise and learned to use a computer in the last years of her work life – not an easy task for a non-Boomer. She has always been an outstanding role model to me, her children and several nieces and nephews. How many younger members know that she was also an accomplished gymnast as a teen? She could do a handstand without support, even after her third child! This activity gave her the figure ( legs in particular), of a fashion model!) Her fashion sense was outstanding. Her passing left me bereft of words, but I have found some. Lastly, I don’t know if anyone knows that she did a Novena at age sixteen to save the lives of me and my mother, both almost died at childbirth. Her innocent and sincere prayer is partly responsible for my existence. Although she lost her husband, she continued with steely determination to educate all of her children, which she considered her greatest accomplishment. I am proud to be their aunt and will always be here for them.

  7. Aunt Gloria and I share a birthday and I think that has always given us a special connection. When Uncle Roy died way too young and quite suddenly, I was a very young girl, but it was the first impactful loss of a loved one I recall, perhaps because he was my favorite uncle. He had been at our house earlier that day and I vividly remember the shock of hearing he died. I remember Aunt Gloria, with 4 young children was a rock and modeled dignity under stress, trusting in the Lord with all her heart in the midst of that tragedy and in the ensuing years. She was the best role model of a godly woman who trusted our Lord & Savior every step of the way. I have many treasured memories of when our families used to pile up together and bring our rice & peas and chicken dinner to the beach on Sundays and spent simple, quality time together. Why is it that our Sunday dinner always tasted so much better on the beach? I remember Uncle Roy’s van getting stuck in the mud and all of us corralling our strength to push it out on more than one occasion. Later in life as I became a woman of God myself, I always looked at Aunt Gloria as the model of that Proverbs 31 woman. She was an encourager to me when our younger son suffered a traumatic brain injury 11 years ago, reminding me to trust in the Lord to get us through. It was sad to see her decline in her later years, and I’ll cherish the time we spent visiting together when Marcia & Sonia brought her to spend the day with us at the resort in Jamaica in 2014. Had I known that would be my last time seeing her, I would have hugged her a little more tightly at the end of the day. She was confused about more recent details, but also had good recall of some past memories as we chatted that day. I know her wisdom and tenacity has been passed onto my cousins who will miss her physical presence, but will always have all that she taught them in their hearts and be better people because of it. Rest in the everlasting arms of your Father Aunt G, until me meet again. With much love, Charmaine

  8. So the Angel has come to take you from this life and send you on your new journey, where there will be no pain. So my sister Gloria I will say goodbye to you until we meet again. Your brother Tony.

  9. Aunt Gloria was a strong-willed, disciplined, woman of faith. She set a good example of what a good wife, mother and friend should be. I used to enjoy attending church with her on Sundays when we were living together and she rarely missed mass. One of my fondest memories was our families going to the beach in St. Thomas and Ocho Rios, eating chicken and rice and peas and spending quality fun time together. I also enjoyed our families driving together with Aunt Gloria and Uncle Roy to visit our Grandparents in May Pen. The last time I saw her was in 2014 when Marcia and Sonia took her and Uncle Carl to spend the day with us while we were staying at Bahia Principe resort in Jamaica. We were all very happy to see everyone, especially Aunt Gloria and felt blessed for this moment. We mourn her passing, celebrate her life and thank her for her everlasting courage and strength. We are so blessed to have had her in our lives. Aunt Gloria you will forever be in our hearts.

  10. My dear Gloria, An exceptional sister-in-law always in a good mood to cheer me when I am sad. I was blessed to have her in my life. I will always remember her caring and selfless nature – a pleasure to be around. She, my brother Roy and the kids spent many days on the lovely beaches in Jamaica and visiting my Mom and Dad and their Grand parents in May Pen. One of my favorite memories: On one of our visits to the Dunn’s River Falls after watching people trying to climb the Falls Gloria and I decided to also try. So we held on to each other and started. It was fun but we did not get very far as every three or four levels up that we took we were back down one or two as it was very slippery – we were disappointed, had a good laugh and decided to try another time. My dear Gloria YOU WILL FOREVER BE IN MY MEMORY. REST IN PEACE!!

  11. RIP My dear Aunt Gloria. My family and I were deeply saddened by the passing of Auntie. She was my favorite Aunt and many of my childhood memories of my summers in Jamaica are of her and staying at her home. I remember going to mass with her. She always treated me so kindly and welcomed me to her home with open arms. She never ceased to hug and kiss me as well. So much Love shown to me by her and my cousins. She cooked the most amazing Chinese food and would ask what I wanted to eat. She made plans for things for me to do. I remember her coordinating going to a fashion show at Pegasus hotel during one of my visits. She showed me pictures of my mom when she was younger, rare footage I had never seen. My mother told me how she encouraged her to go to nursing school, My heart breaks for Beverly, Marcia, Sonia, and Michael. She was a single mom who raised 4 amazingly bright and talented children. A giant of a woman with a heart of gold. One of the kindest I have known. She leaves behind cherished memories and a great legacy through her children snd grandchildren. Say hi to DAD for me. Praying for peace for all our family as we mourn this loss. God has welcomed you with open arms into Heaven with a peaceful transition. Suffer no more. Love forever, your niece Debbie and family.

  12. A great Mom who taught me a great life lesson – that is to have faith. That lesson has carried me through all life challenges. I am happy I was able to give her the joy of 2 grandchildren Jordan and Daniella. Beach trips, family dinners and numerous other times will give me great memories. Love Always Mom

  13. Many years ago growing up in Kingston, my memories of Aunt Gloria was one of kindness and open heart. In essence she was a part of our extended family of Changs and Lees around the Red Hills Road area. Of course now, as an adult, I have come to realize how much of a superwoman she was, and how she persevered thru life with all her children successful. A life lived quite remarkably. Deepest sympathies from the Chang Family in this most difficult year 2020. Tim & Sherilyn

  14. My last memory of Aunt Gloria: Jamaica 2014 when she along with Marcia & Sonia took the time to visit us when we were on our family vacation. We had a wonderful & memorable day at the beach for sure. Aunt Gloria reminisced & told a few captivating stories about Uncle Roy that gave me more understanding of our family history. I wish we could’ve done this with her more often. Rest in peace Aunt Gloria.

  15. I remember going with Roy and Gloria to visit Momma and Poppa in May Pen. Roy and Poppa would cook for us and we all would have a wonderful time. Gloria was a very caring person and showed a lot of love towards my mother and father. Poppa lived with Roy and Gloria when Momma passed away and Gloria treated Poppa with much love and compassion. My friend Sheila Chin-Loy and I were Gloria’s bridesmaids at their wedding. This was the first wedding where I was a bridesmaid. It was a beautiful wedding. Because I felt close to Gloria and Roy, I asked them to be godparents to my daughter, Deborah. Gloria was there for me when I was going through the most difficult time in my life. She was more than a friend, she was more like a sister to me. Each day I could turn to her for some encouraging advice and support. She helped me to grieve the passing of my children and continue with my journey. I remember the times our families spent together at Duhaney Park. Those amazing times we had together with all the children going to the beach on weekends are treasured moments I will never forget. These memories are truly precious because we were all together as a family. My deepest condolences to the family, words cannot express my sorrow. No one will ever take her place on earth. Please know you are always in my thoughts. My heart goes out to Beverley, Marcia, Sonia, Michael, Carl, Steven, Daniella, and Jordan.

  16. Posting the following on behalf of a longtime friend, Mrs. Dulcie Taylor, who knew mom from when they were at J.O.S.: Gloria was a co-worker and loyal friend. I do miss her Christmas cards which always had an additional passage of scripture, I kept most of them. How she loved Christmas, it was her favorite time of year. Beverly, Marcia, Sonia, and Michael, you were her life. I know it is difficult to lose her – you have a lot of good memories, cherish them. As a faithful Christian, it’s just a transition, she is at a good place, ‘with her Lord’; He has a higher calling for her – your ‘Guardian Angel’, she will be watching over you. I will keep you in my prayers. Dulcie 9/21/2020

  17. Fortunate enough to have met my Aunt when she visited Wales. Again when I visited Jamaica to finally meet my extended family. Welcomed into her home to meet my cousins. Much love Andrew, Richard and Julie-anne x

  18. I met Gloria in 1966 when I started working as a secretary at J.O.S Bus Company in Kingston, Jamaica. At J.O.S, we shared an office for three years, and during that time, a lifelong friendship developed. I will miss my over 50 years of friendship with her. Gloria and I had a lot in common; we both had a young family with four kids, each struggling to send them to private school on a secretary’s salary. She and I had some of the same goals and dreams for our kids. She was loyal, trustworthy and my confidant. Gloria was a faithful Christian and a devoted Catholic. Her faith was tested when her first husband, Roy, suddenly passed away from a heart attack. During that time, Gloria marshaled every strength she had to care for and support her children; Beverly(9), Marcia (6), Sonia (5), and Michael (11 months). She refused to fall apart and made her kids the focus of her life. Gloria gave her kids all she could offer. Gloria loved Christmas and never failed to send out Christmas cards to loved ones and friends. As co-workers, we had the same work schedule, and we used our lunch hours to shop downtown on Kings street, looking for bargains. I missed those times. Gloria left J.O.S and went to work for D&G. We kept in touch however, sharing the success of our children, i.e. common entrance, graduations, university degrees. Gloria was so proud of her kids and to them I say, your love and care of her never went unnoticed. Her kids helped to fulfill her dreams and gave her a happy and full life. My sincere sympathy goes out to her husband Carl, the kids and family. Celebrate her passing. She left you, family and friends good memories. She was blessed. She will be missed, but not forgotten. – Tee “Mrs. Dulcie Taylor”

  19. On behalf of Althea and myself we wish to offer our prayers and condolences to your family during this difficult time. We are aware that the grief you feel cannot be put into words but please know you have our deepest sympathy . We are praying you’ll sense God’s peace in a way that brings rest to your hearts. Wish we could have been there in your time of need. Donovan and Althea Taylor.

  20. My incredible mom has gone to be with the Lord. I will miss her as she was my hero, gently pushing me to my limits in every aspect of my life – school, piano, sports, college, career, etc. Mom and Dad, never saw any limits in any of their children. I was to be the pianist, Marcia to be an Olympic swimmer, Mike to be the Spelling Bee Champion and sailboat captain along with Dad, and Sonia to be a dancer and get a 4 year college degree studying her passions – languages and business at the UWI. Mom supported me in all my interests. When I needed to get to school at 7:30 am every morning in order to practice piano for half an hour before school started, she got me there at 7:30, much to the chagrin of my siblings who also were necessarily along for the ride before getting dropped off at their respective schools. If it was a late evening or weekend Glee Club practice, or performance, that was no problem either. Mom just supported us all in our various interests with great sacrifice, and gentle encouragement, to be our best. Sometimes it was a lonely and scary road. I remember when mom quickly had to learn to drive a car after dad passed in 1970. She didn’t exactly take to driving like a duck to water. Wink, wink. I remember trying to teach mom piano. Family really cannot teach family…..and definitely my skills are suspect. (Mike, don’t say anything about tennis, please). Took me awhile to figure this out . So out of frustration, and unbeknownst to me, mom got herself a piano tutor to come to the house to give her lessons. Definitely, my mom was smart, real smart. My memories of early morning chicken frying and sandwiches being packed up for us kids to take on beach and church outings just really brings back such happy feelings. Mom made sure we grew up with Hope Gardens and Denbigh and Ward theater concerts, and flea markets and Mineral bath, and the renowned trip to Trelawny Beach hotel (only the Lord knows how we found our way there), and trips to Black River to visit her good friend Evadne, and trips to see Aunt Emma on her pig farm in Darliston, Westmoreland. At Aunt Emma’s, we enjoyed early morning walks with Heather and Iolyn in the fresh country air and experienced the pig roasts, chicken farm activities, and raucous late night debates and carousing that only the East and Wong families are truly capable of. Mom made a declaration even as she was hospitalized in Florida in 2000 for a heart condition. She asked her physician and her Lord for just 5 more years, so that she could see her 2 grandchildren get a bit older to be able to manage in the world. These little darlings meant the world to her. Even while a baby, she brought Daniella up to Florida nearly every year, to learn how to be a true tourist – lots of shopping, lots of American junk food, and lots of Disney World. Mom could not have been prouder when Mike won the All Island Spelling Bee in 1980, and achieved his Masters in Computer Engineering at FIU in Florida, and went on to become a manager at Citrix Systems. Mom could not have been prouder when Marcia excelled at swimming and went on to become a Marine biologist, then manager at Air Jamaica, then the first resident VP of Citibank Jamaica while also pursuing her MBA, and now, a successful business coach recently inducted into the Chairman’s Club of ‘Action Coach’. Mom could not have been prouder when Sonia went from CAST to UWI and got her Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management, and enjoys a successful career in property management. Mom was also proud of my medals and distinctions in the study of classical piano at ICHS under the tutelage of Lisa Narcisse LRSM, OD -which then led me to learn to play the organ under the tutelage of Terry Da Costa, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Patrick City. Our mom carved out our personalities and demeanor, and therefore all our successes and approach to challenges in life. Life is filled with so many forks in the road and we must be prepared to take the right one. Our faith, determination to succeed, our inner strength and ‘bigness’, and empathy, all came from mom and our relatives and even dad for the short time he was with us. Uncle Carl too, who has been a tower of strength and character and entrepreneurial spirit. How blessed we have been to have had such an incredibly strong and faith filled mother.


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