Northborough – Ngoc (Kathy) T. Yee of Northborough, Massachusetts passed away following a brief illness with Pancreatic Cancer on January 5, 2023.
She was born on April 20, 1960 to Minh & Dieu Dang in à N ng, Vietnam. At age 15, she escaped Vietnam aboard a helicopter from the top of the US Embassy during the Fall of Saigon in 1975 with her sister, MyTinh’s, family. She lived in Concord, MA for a short time and settled with her sister’s family in Waltham, MA where she helped raise her nieces and nephews.
She graduated from Waltham High in 1979 and the University of Lowell in 1983 with a degree in mechanical engineering. She was unable to find work as a woman engineer in the eighties, so Ngoc switched careers and studied computer science at Computer Learning Centers in Somerville, MA. Upon receiving a diploma in computer programming in 1984, Ngoc went on to work for Nature Food Centers, AT&T Information Systems, and finally Staples as a Senior Software Systems Engineer for 25 years.
Ngoc was well-liked and loved at Staples during her career there. She was the go-to person to call whenever there was a problem. She was extremely reliable and giving, and brought this with her to the temple which she was a devoted member of for 11 years. At the temple she was on the Board of Directors, Treasurer, Kitchen organizer, and Vietnamese-to-English interpreter. She loved celebrating Lunar New Year at the temple and organized many events for the community.
As a beautiful and loving woman in the USA, she married Raymond Y. Yee in 1983 and they raised their two children, Sophia and Amanda in Northborough, MA.
Ngoc loved going to the lake house in New Hampshire, often spending mornings meditating on the dock and feeding fish while she sipped coffee. She was very active and loved the water – she would canoe, kayak, and paddle board with Harley, the family dog, and whomever she had invited to come join her that weekend.
Always the adventurer, she loved traveling and going on motorcycle rides with Raymond. On the rides, she enjoyed the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, and peace of mind. She was even so relaxed on the motorcycle that she sometimes fell asleep.
Ngoc is survived by her husband Raymond Yee, her daughters Sophia Yee, and Amanda Yee and Amanda’s fiance Alex DiNoto, her sisters MyTinh Linda Ledang, Y Thi Dang Nguyen, Thi My Man Dang, and Thi Vinh Dang, and her brother Randy Dang as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. And also Harley Yee, the family yellow lab, who she loved throwing the ball to and feeding carrots and peanut butter.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Bell-O’Dea Funeral Home located at 376 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445 on:
Friday, January 13, 2023, from 5pm to 9pm
Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 11am to 12pm with final words shared at 11am with close friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, a check donation may be made to Buddhist Association of Massachusetts. Located at 68 Bradeen Street. Roslindale, MA 02131.
