Helen Gee Obituary

Her children by her side, and music by Johnny Mathis and the Bee Gees softly playing, Helen Tang Gee peacefully departed this life on Saturday, June 21, 2025, after a sudden and brief illness.

Born on February 4, 1935, in Phoenix, Arizona, Helen was the cherished daughter of Teng Ching (T.C.) and Yee Shee Tang. She grew up immersed in the family grocery business, which her parents established in the late 1930s. Alongside her brothers - Howard, Bill, Davis, Bobby, and Tommy- Helen dedicated her youth to the store, diligently stocking shelves, working the cash register, sweeping floors, and contributing to its busy daily life.

As a proud alumna of Phoenix High School, Helen built a wide circle of friends in the Phoenix area. In 1956, her life took a beautiful turn when she was introduced to Richard, sparking a romance that led to their marriage in 1957 and their subsequent move to the big city of San Francisco.

Helen pursued various professional endeavors, including a role in Human Resources at Montgomery Ward in San Mateo. However, her most profound commitment began in 1990 when Richard was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Without hesitation, she became his sole and devoted caregiver, selflessly setting aside her own needs and opportunities to ensure his comfort and well-being. Her unwavering dedication was exemplified by her refusal of a necessary hip replacement, unwilling to compromise her ability to care for Richard. Their extraordinary bond sustained them through 64 years of marriage until his passing in 2021.

Beyond her profound love for Richard, Helen's heart overflowed with passion for her family. Richard and Helen lovingly raised four children: Jeff (wife Judy), Tara (husband Brian), Susan (husband Ed) and Eric (wife Lonnie). Her life was further enriched by nine adored grandchildren: Christopher, Elizabeth, Jacob, Edward (and his wife Amala), James (and his wife Sara), Alyssa, Brandon, Carly, and Daniel. She was blessed to know and cherish five great-grandchildren: Tristen, Isabella, Callie, Luna, and Aizen. Helen delighted in hearing every detail of their lives, their travels, and their adventures, often sharing these cherished stories with her lunch friends, or exchanging them over the phone when they couldn't meet. In addition to her parents, preceding her passing are her husband Richard, and her brothers Howard, Bill, Davis and Tommy.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 1501 Trousdale Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010 or online at Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation - Make a Donation in gratitude to the doctors and staff that took care of Helen.

A memorial service to celebrate Helen's life will be held at Alta Mesa Memorial Park, 695 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.