Anna K. Lee

Anna K. Lee, 80, of Tinley Park, formerly of Flossmoor, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at Waterford Estates in Hazel Crest. Anna was the daughter of the late William and Daisy (nee Chan) Way. Her spirit lives on through her children: Christine (Fred) Haggard of Washington, DC; Liz (Jim) Lee-Pluskota, of Manhattan, Illinois; and Alex (MaLinda) Lee of Skokie, Illinois. She was also the cherished grandmother of Margaret, Benjamin, and William Pluskota, Ryne and August Lee, and Dale Seley. And, Anna’s siblings, while far geographically, hold her dear in their memories. She was the baby sister of Angela (the late Harry) Crossland, William (Emily) Kwok, and Duncan (Eva) Kwok; beloved auntie of two nieces and three nephews.
Born in Shanghai, China, World War II, the Communist takeover and Cultural Revolution were defining times for her and helped shape much of her attitude in life. She passed down her stories to her children so they understood another time and place, in the hopes they would appreciate their own lives. She was a doting mother and relished being a grandmother.
Anna was an excellent cook with many standout specialties including her famous egg rolls, noodle dishes, and sticky rice Thanksgiving stuffing – a favorite among the numerous guests, who often included stray college students and others who could not be with their own families. Although Cantonese, Anna also tried her hand at meatloaf and Italian marinara and spaghetti, with great success. The only downside to her cooking was once she discovered you liked a dish, she made it over and over and over again.
She loved to feed people and make them feel welcome and happy. She also expressed her affection in her knitting. It was common to see her taking a break with her feet up, a mug of coffee, and knitting or crochet needles in her hands. She not only made countless things for her home and her children, but also their teddy bears and even the next generation. The stuffed animals of her grandkids were fitted with Anna Lee creations.
She had many talents -- one of which her children were sad to see her keep from the world at large as her beautiful, pitch-perfect, booming singing voice. Her audiences included the clean laundry she folded, and venues such as the inside of cars. She particularly enjoyed Swing and Christmas music, a love she passed on to her eldest daughter.
Anna’s school and social situation growing up was precarious given wartime and the political situation. She did not grow up learning sports so the world of physical fitness was new to her. Instead, she faced uncertainty and scarcity of food. As her children left home, and after her divorce, she began “going to the gym” and spent hours hanging out, socializing, and exercising at the Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet and Fitness Club. It became a place that meant a lot to her. Those who encountered her remember her quirky sense of humor and direct, open communication style.
In her later years, Granny, as she wanted to be called, enjoyed doting on her grandchildren, and traveling the world. She loved going on tours and cruises, and collected refrigerator magnets and other souvenirs from everywhere she went. She took cruises through the Panama Canal, to Hawaii, and down the Mississippi River. She traveled extensively throughout Europe and North America, and was also able to visit her birthplace and Hong Kong and Guangdong (Canton) where her family is from. Her travels sadly ceased as her dementia worsened. Her life became smaller but now she is at peace, traveling the world again.
In lieu of flowers Memorials in Anna’s name to Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.
The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, Frankfort, IL on Saturday, February 1, 2020 for a Memorial Visitation from 12:00pm until Time Of Sharing at 3:00pm.