Identity area
Type of entity
Person
Authorized form of name
Chow Shee
Parallel form(s) of name
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Other form(s) of name
- Mrs. Chow Shee
- Mrs. Lee Woo
- wife of Lee Woo
- Elizabeth Lee Woo
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Description area
Dates of existence
[1885]-1950
History
Chow Shee was born in China, ca. 1885, a native of Mow Kong in the 開平 Hoiping / Kaiping district in 廣東 Guangdong province. She was adopted and became the youngest of five children. At some point, the family relocated to Hong Kong where she adopted the anglicized name of Elizabeth.
Her eldest brother introduced her to her future husband, LEE Heme Woo (LEE Woo). He was born in 廣東 Guangdong province in 1883, and had travelled to Canada in 1902 at age of 19. Elizabeth married Lee Woo in Hong Kong at Wesley United Church in 1912, becoming Lee Chow Shee and Mrs. Lee Woo.
After the wedding, Lee Woo returned to work in Canada. Shortly thereafter, he sent for Elizabeth and their firstborn son, John (Yue Wah) who was born on November 5, 1912. Elizabeth, now aged 27, and their son sailed on the Empress of Russia steamship, arriving in Victoria, B.C. on November 22, 1913.
Elizabeth and Lee Woo went on to have 10 more children within a period of seventeen years. In total, they had two boys and nine girls. This was not uncommon at that time amongst new Chinese families who settled in Victoria.
Elizabeth’s husband worked at various jobs: at a chemical plant; at Palm Dairy; and later at Wayside House as a cook and housekeeper. Lee Woo was also a founding elder of the Chinese Presbyterian Church (CPC).
Elizabeth was an active and very social member of the CPC Women’s Group. All her children were dedicated church members participating in many of its activities and sports teams.
A devoted mother, Elizabeth efficiently managed the household. She sewed dresses, skirts, pants, coats, for her children; washed the laundry by hand; grew vegetables and beautiful roses; raised pigeons (for medicine) and chickens; preserved fruits and vegetables; made jams; and was well known for her delicious “toffee”.
Elizabeth was credited with treating and saving her daughter, Daisy, from undiagnosed tuberculosis. She also corrected her daughter, Rose’s crooked legs.
Elizabeth was strict, but is remembered as a kind and loving mother. The family lived on Blanchard Street close to the Memorial Arena for many years. The Lee family home was a beehive of activity with all the children and their friends. Eventually, her 11 children gave her 38 grandchildren, most of whom were born after she passed away.
Elizabeth died from complications of gastrointestinal issues, and eventually heart failure on September 9, 1950, at the age of 64. She is buried next to her husband at Royal Oak Cemetery in Victoria.
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