Lee, Loretta
Loretta Lee’s family history in Canada dates back more than a century. Both her paternal and maternal grandmothers arrived in Calgary, Alberta, in the early 1900s as two of the first Chinese women to arrive in the city. Loretta’s mother, Nellie Ho Lem, was very active in her community as a member of the United Church and the Lady Laurier Club, a women’s organization for the Liberal Party. Loretta grew up in Calgary and in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, where the family lived for a number of years. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Loretta has actively pursued community work and has been a volunteer with the Sien Lok Society in Calgary since its inception.
Loretta Lee obtained her degree in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Alberta (Edmonton) in 1962. She believes some of her uncles questioned her decision to undertake university studies because they expected young women to marry. Her parents were happy to see her obtain a university degree. She was hired right out of school as a social worker for the Department of Welfare.
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