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FeedSixty years of love
Local couple conquers continental divide
James and Katie Lee today
JAMES AND KATIE LEE were a unique pair for their time. Whereas most couples in China were bound by arranged marriage, these two were able to choose each other. And what a choice it was! Now with their 60th wedding anniversary approaching, the two will celebrate with their five children, nine grandchildren, and of course, some cake. Here is their story.
How they met:
James and Katie Lee were both born in Canton, China. They were introduced to each other by friends of the family. Unlike many of their peers, who were part of arranged marriages at that time, they were given a choice. Since they liked each other, they agreed to further their relationship. This first meeting was considered their first “date,” but of course, was under the watchful eyes of both sets of parents.
The courtship:
Their courtship was through mail exchange as James had accepted a scholarship to study in another city. It was through this mail correspondence that James and Katie agreed to marry.
The wedding:
Everything was arranged by their parents, and they were married eight months after they first met. Two years later their first child, Jane, was born. This was a tumultuous time in China as the Communist party had just come into power. Shortly afterwards there was a window of opportunity for James to emmigrate to Canada. The plan was for James to leave first and Katie and Jane would come later.
Eight years passed before he could sponsor his young family and be reunited with them.
Their lives today:
These two have lived in the Bayview area since 1966. They now have five children: Jane, John, Henry, Joan and Bennett. And there are nine grandchildren: Austin, Sarah, Amanda, Matthew, Thomas, Kaylin, Tegan, Joel, and Abigail.
James retired from Redpath Sugars after working there for 35 years as a chemical analyst. He has kept active in the Bayview community, teaching Tai Chi to seniors at a local church and he has served over 10 years as a volunteer at Sunnybrook hospital in the Veteran’s ward. James was one of the founders of the Chinese Gospel Church of Toronto where he still serves as a board member and trustee.
Katie has been the consummate stay-at-home mom and grandmother, raising her five children and taking an active role in caring for her nine grandchildren. Her passions other than taking delight in the exploits of her grandchildren are gardening and baking.
Secret to success:
The Lees have a strong faith and shared values. They believe in considering the needs of the other and by extension, the needs of the family
over yourself.
Every couple has a story to share. If you would like to share yours, please contact the editor at 416-250-7979, ext. 222, or news@postcitymagazines.com.
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