Gloria Chang August Lee's Obituary
On January 3rd, 2025, Gloria Chang August Lee, 50, passed away at Straub Benioff Medical Center in Honolulu, HI, from therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (T-AML). Gloria was first diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer in 2018 and again in 2020, both times valiantly returning to health. In September 2024, Gloria was diagnosed with T-AML, an aggressive blood cancer and rare complication of prior chemotherapy treatments. Our family was not expecting Gloria’s life to be cut short so soon. We are all devastated by this enormous loss, and she will be forever missed.
Gloria was the second-born twin to native Louisianan Wilbert C. August, Jr. and Korean immigrant Kum Po Chang August. Gloria had an energy and fierceness that were uniquely her own. The relationship she had with her twin sister, Euna August, was like no other. They shared an unbreakable bond that endured time and distance, even as their individual lives led them in different directions.
Born in Florida and raised in Texas and Louisiana, Gloria had strong southern roots. Her academic pursuits in anthropology at Louisiana State University and museum studies at the University of South Carolina fostered her love of travel and academic curiosity of places and people. When she united with the love of her life, partner, and husband, Schuyler “Sky” Lee, theirs became an exhilarating 20-year love story spanning multiple US states and world continents.
Gloria was an adventurous soul with a loving spirit and a smile that could light up the room. She had a passion for food, cultural immersion, and in recent years, fully realized and integrated her life’s dreams. Gloria merged her love of cultural history and dance by simultaneously studying hula and traditional Korean dance, fully embracing her new home and her Korean heritage. Gloria was part of a halau, where she intently studied the sacred Hawaiian dance and music tradition. In 2024, Gloria danced hula across the island, including the Iolani Palace and Center Stage at Ala Moana. She also studied Korean drumming and dance under one of Hawaii's foremost experts on Korean dance, performing in several venues.
In her final months, Gloria realized her heart’s truest desire when she experienced motherhood. Gloria and Sky opened their home to a foster child, 5-month-old Kapala, in June 2024. Kapala brought joy and focus to Gloria, as only children can do. Kapala is so cherished by Gloria, who drank in every moment of their life together as a family.
Gloria was a dear and loyal friend to many and has impacted so many in lasting ways. She will be remembered for her zest for life, her infectious laugh, her attention to detail, and her passion for a “good deal.” Gloria is an example of strength and resilience and reminds us to cherish every day.
Gloria is survived by her husband (Schuyler Lee), her parents (Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert August, Jr.), her twin sister and husband (Euna August and Jon-Mikel Moody, Sr.), her nephew (Jon-Mikel “Deuce” Moody, Jr.), her parents-in-law (Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Schlaikjer), two sisters-in-law (Amena Schlaikjer and Erica Schlaikjer), brother-in-law (Nader Husseini), and her foster son (Kapala), as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins and her hanai (adopted) family on O’ahu. A Celebration of Life event will be held on January 16, 2025, at the Trousdale Chapel at Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe, Hawaii, and will be simultaneously live-streamed (Viewing: 1:00 pm Hawaii Time; Service: 2:00 pm Hawaii Time).
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