Nicholas Taishan Lee
Nicholas Taishan Lee
November 28th, 2003 to May 25th, 2022
Nicholas passed away unexpectedly on May 25th, 2022, just three days after graduating from high school. He was a bright and sparkling star of pure goodness. With just a wave hello, he brought a smile to every passing face. He left an indelible mark on so many through his kindness, quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and engaging and joyous personality.
Godzilla aficionado, Pokémon and dinosaur expert, proud Cat Dad to Sal, stop motion video YouTuber Godzillaguy54, Sonic superfan, and intensely avid collector of Transformers. Nicholas’ deep knowledge on his favorite interests could certainly save you a Google search. Nicholas was all this and more, and packed so much fun and adventure into his young life.
Nicholas was a lifelong resident of Downers Grove, IL, one of his favorite places in the world, second only to Universal Studios Orlando. He attended Lincoln Center Preschool, El Sierra Elementary School, and O’Neill Middle School. He recently graduated from Downers Grove South High School with the Class of 2022, alongside wonderful friends, many with whom he bonded since preschool and kindergarten.
Nicholas was loved and adored by his family, friends, school faculty, and medical team. He was the center of the Lee Family universe. He was the only grandchild of the very proud Nai Nai Jane and Grandfather Ted Yun Chuan Lee. He was loved by his Uncle Teddy and beloved cat brother Micky. Nicholas will be missed and remembered forever by Mommy Mary Jane and Kevin Tihista, Aunt Sue and Aunt Shortie, Aunt Cherry and Uncle Shawn Farnsworth, Cousins Dane, Chase, and Roger, beloved kittens Sal, “Subbie” Martha, and Marty, and bestie Gumbio. Our hearts are broken, but we will hold precious Nicholas closely and think of him constantly for all time. We love you so much sweet Nicholas.
Visitation 1-4 p.m. Friday June 10, 2022 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 75th St., Downers Grove, followed by a memorial service at 4 p.m. Friday. A celebration of Nicholas’s life to follow.
Memorials in Nicholas’ memory may be made to The National MPS Society and Snow City Arts.
Nicholas will truly be missed in all our lives. I met Nicholas when he was about 5 years old, at an outdoor concert, in Bolingbrook, with Susan and Hedi.. such a smart and and loveable boy. And I’ve seen him a few more times threw out the years, and heard about the wonderful things that he accomplished, from Susan Lee, his proud aunt. Kisses all the way to heaven ❤️
We truly can’t believe you’re gone, Nicholas. I’m so grateful that the last 2 times I saw you were full of joy – at the El Sierra walk-through and at graduation. I, like everyone else, was so very proud of you. You were always the biggest defender in the smallest body – and never once thought of Cooper in any other way than a great friend. I loved that you could always count on each other to play dinos or video games or transformers or make youtube videos or build LEGO… whether you were 8 or 18. We will miss you forever, and NEVER see a dinosaur and not think of you. xoxo -cooper, kellar, cinda and henri
My family and I would like to send prayers to the Lee family. I knew Nick through school. We graduated together. It was our love of Godzilla, and Paleontology that made us friends. I will miss him. I was at Godzilla fest today and it was not the same without Nick.
Joseph Cox