May Ann Chung Gee

May Ann Chung Gee, 88, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2020. She is preceded in death by her husband, Young M. Gee. Born in Hoiping, Guangdong Province in China, she joined Young in New Orleans in 1949 alongside her eldest child, Kit. Throughout the years, she and Young became the proprietors of several local businesses, including Young’s Chinese Restaurant and Young’s Triple Play Lounge. Known as “Miss May” to the regular patrons and staff, she could usually be found working tirelessly in the kitchen, or, on rarer occasions, reluctantly tending to the bar when needed. For many years, one could spot her red station wagon heading down to Dulac, where May buying heaps of “fresh off the boat” shrimp for the restaurant became a regular sight. A faithful member of the Chinese Presbyterian Church, she was always willing to reach out a helping hand whenever it was needed, whether it be providing refreshments for vacation bible school, working at the church’s annual dinner, or driving an elderly member to the doctor. She was also an avid gardener, cultivating everything from roses to Chinese winter melons in her garden. Above all else, May was a loving mother and grandmother who greatly cherished the time spent with her 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She would enjoy hearing about all of the events in their lives and never hesitated to dispense her trademark grandmotherly advice. May is survived by her children, Kit K. Gee (Gloria), Carolyn G. Desporte (Ed), Jeff K. Gee (Jeanette), Melinda G. Lew (Allan) and Teresa G. Helt (Rodney); her grandchildren, Anisse Peters (Robert), Leslie Latimer (Keith), Joseph Gee, Jason Desporte (Valerie), David Desporte (Trang), Curtis Lew (Alice), William Helt, Mason Helt, Trevor Lew and Jacob Gee; and by her great-grandchildren, Craig Peters, Ella Peters, Hayden Latimer, Alyssa Desporte, Joshua Desporte, Nhi Desporte, Uyen Desporte, and Bao Desporte. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful care she received from her caregivers, both her sitters and the staff at Chateau Living Center, who would always relay how kind and thoughtful May was to them and the other residents.

A private, family burial will take place and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. For friends who wish to honor May’s memory, the family ask they kindly consider donations to the Chinese Presbyterian Church.

Due to the current extenuating circumstances, we ask that those who wish to express their condolences or share fond memories do so at www.lakelawnmetairie.com