Dori Mercy Yeh's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Dori Mercy Yeh
June 2, 1994 - June 12, 2024
Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
— Lilo & Stitch
Dori, whose fiery personality lit up our lives and whose kindness touched countless hearts, passed away on June 12, 2024. Born on June 2, 1994, she treasured her Taiwanese roots, found her aloha in Hawaii, and met the love of her life in California. She brought joy and warmth to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though her time with us was far too short, she left an enduring mark on this world.
Dori’s many passions fueled her days, often starting with her rising before the sun to skateboard to her favorite workout spot, Rumble. She radiated energy and enthusiasm while being front and center in class, inspiring everyone around her to work out even harder. Her love of sports and fitness did not stop there. She was an avid fan of the NBA, with a special fondness for her favorite team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Professionally, Dori was a dedicated UX researcher with an unyielding passion for fitness. She always dreamed of using her skills at a fitness-focused company and was able to achieve that dream at Peloton.
Dori’s love for meditation brought her a sense of peace and healing, often turning her home into a tranquil retreat with cozy cushions by the window, where she could soak up the sunlight. She effortlessly found zen in the chaos of life, transforming even the most challenging days into an oasis of mindfulness and inner peace. Although she avoided small talk, she had a deep appreciation for thoughtful conversations, listening intently and making those around her feel like they had known her for years. Her artistic soul found happiness in exploring art and music, turning her home into a lively concert of her favorite tunes. In her downtime, she enjoyed indulging in a glass of cabernet and frequently visited Napa Valley’s beautiful wine country.
Dori’s departure has left a void that can never be filled. She always longed for a community she could call her own, and she achieved that. It was one of her proudest accomplishments, a testament to her ability to unite everyone. Her memory will forever be cherished by her partner, Melissa, who met Dori exactly five years before coming together to celebrate Dori’s life. Melissa will continue to find solace in the infinite memories of Dori’s infectious voice, wit, and boundless kindness. She is also fondly remembered by her baba Henry, whom Dori held dear, and her mother, Rachel.
Dori lived a life overflowing with love, laughter, and gratitude. Her passion for bringing people together taught us how to connect deeply with one another using kindness, a warm hearth, and a giggle. She knew what it was like to be an outcast and never wanted anyone else to feel that way. In her spirit, this is an open invitation for the services being held. A celebration of Dori's life will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Oakland, where we will come together to share stories, laughter, and memories of a life well-lived. Please join us in remembering and celebrating the remarkable life of Dori, whose light continues to shine brightly in our lives.
If you would like, you can contribute to Dori's GoFundMe (link), which will be repurposed to assist with any funeral expenses. Alternatively, you can also choose to donate to Dr. Joe Dispenza's "InnerScience Research Fund (link)," a nonprofit dedicated to funding scientific research on meditation’s effects on empowering individuals to heal and thrive. During the most anxious moments, this nonprofit served as an immensely powerful stabilizing force for Dori during her journey.
What’s your fondest memory of Dori?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dori?
Share a story where Dori's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dori you’ll never forget.
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