Margaret K. Gee's Obituary
Margaret Kim Gee
September 28,1961-March 28, 2016
After a protracted battle with cancer, Margaret Kim Gee died peacefully on March 28, 2016 in Oakland, CA at the age of 53. She leaves behind her sons, Austin and Julian Tran.
Margaret was born on September 28, 1961 in Seattle, WA, to father Tom B. Gee and mother Alice Chew Gee. She grew up in Oakland, CA with her younger sister attending local schools and graduating from College Preparatory High School. Margaret received her bachelor’s degree in business from the University of California, Berkeley in 1984. After a brief career in financial planning, Margaret spent many years working in non-profits focused on community development in both Oakland and San Francisco Chinatown. Most recently she served as the executive director for Bay Area Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). In October 2015, she was honored by the Chinatown Community Development Center for her tireless work building community in San Francisco.
Margaret was a driven professional with a love for gourmet cooking, jewelry making and travel with her family. She also made time for community service, including serving as a former trustee and Parent Guardian Association President for Redwood Day School. When diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2011, she remained dedicated to her family and work while she fought her illness. She remained brave and determined, even in her final days.
Margaret is survived by her children, whom she shared with her former spouse, Bruce Tran. She is also survived by her mother, as well as her sister and brother in-law, Marcia and Wayne Riley, and their children Thomas and Jordan. She spent recent years with her loving partner, Sam (Sal) Romano and family.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 16th at 2:00 pm at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, CA. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to The National Breast Cancer Foundation.
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