Obituary of Taihee S. Lee

Taihee Lee passed away April 30, 2018 of complications from a fall, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center surrounded by her loving family. Taihee was born on November 25, 1928 in Seoul, South Korea, the daughter of Bishop H. J. Lew and Julia H. Lew who predeceased her. She is survived at home by the love of her life, Bok Youl Lee, M.D. They were married on August 25, 1956 at the Wilshire Methodist Church, Los Angeles, and shared a lifelong partnership, friendship and 61 years of marriage. Taihee graduated from the Women's Medical College in Seoul, South Korea and completed her residency in Opthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Following her residency, Taihee was an attending physician at St. Clare's Hospital, NYC, and worked in the private practice of Dr. Girolamo Bonaccolto in New York City. Taihee and Bok moved to the Hudson Valley where they raised their family. She is survived by three daughters, Portia Lee & husband Dean Fuleihan of Loudonville NY, Ann Cali & husband Joseph Cali of Stamford, CT, Angela Furlong & husband Robert L. Furlong of Poughkeepsie, NY and grandaughters, Deya and Kyra Fuleihan, Alexandra and Emma Cali and Tai Marie Furlong. She is also survived by her sister, Jean Kim of Palos Verdes Estates, CA and her brother, Dr. Paul Lew & his wife Wanda of Carmel, Indiana, a nephew, nieces, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Dr. Taihee Lee was an independent woman ahead of her time. She was determined and direct, one of the few female ophthalmologists in her graduating class. She was the devoted partner, love and inspiration of her husband. Without her, he could not have achieved all that he has in his successful career as a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon. Taihee loved classical music and nature and was an excellent cook, seamstress and confidante. She was the bedrock of our family. She was and always will be the guiding force in our lives. A private service for family will be held on Saturday, May 5 and entombment will follow in the Community Mausoleum, Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service is planned for later this summer. The Lee family wishes to thank all of the staff at Vassar Brothers Medical Center and Hudson Valley Hospice for their kindness, compassion and excellent care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the Foundation for Vassar Brothers Medical Center and the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. To send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.