Helen Lee Chong

Helen Chong passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, at the age of 78 years old.

Helen was born in Guangdong Taishan, China, to her late parents, Chee and Yuet Sim Lee. In 1966, following her marriage to Shelby Chong, she immigrated to the United States. They made their home in Sacramento, California, where they raised their family and built a life together until Shelby’s passing in 2017.

Helen dedicated her life to her family as a loving housewife and mother. She also worked seasonally as a cannery worker and seamstress. Known as the heart and soul of her family, Helen’s greatest joy was nurturing her loved ones. She was especially famous for her nourishing Chinese soups, which she insisted could cure any ailment, and for preparing delicious meals to share with family and friends.

She cherished gathering for Dim Sum, traveling, and playing Mah-Jong. In their golden years together, Helen and Shelby delighted in joining friends for dancing, singing karaoke, and performing at dinner parties. She enjoyed watching Chinese Drama on TV and keeping in touch with her many friends and family members by phone.

Helen is survived by her son, Ronald (Sonia) Chong, and daughter, Rosanna Chong (Walter) Lee. She took great pride in each of her grandchildren: Kyle Chong, Matthew Lee, Brandon Lee, Dr. Emily Chong, Jordan Lee and Alex Chong. She is preceded in death by her brother David Lee and surviving siblings: Susan (Tommy) Ma, Peter (Kelly) Lee, Nancy (Robin) Lau and Mimi Lee. Helen was deeply loved by her many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Her legacy of love, warmth, and devotion will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation will be at East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Park & Mortuary on Friday, September 26th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. A memorial service will be at East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Chapel on Saturday, September 27th at 1:00 PM.