News Summary
Betsy Mae Quan Toy Yee, a revered educator and philanthropist from Phoenix, Arizona, passed away, leaving a profound impact on education and community service. Known for her dedication to teaching, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her contributions to the arts, Betsy’s legacy will continue to inspire many. She is survived by her five children and grandchildren. Services in her honor are scheduled, allowing family and friends to celebrate her remarkable life.
Phoenix, Arizona – Betsy Mae Quan Toy Yee, a dedicated educator and philanthropist, passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age of 91. Her contributions to education and community service have left a lasting impact on many.
Betsy was born in 1934 to Dea Hong and Lee Chee Toy, being the tenth of eleven children in her family. She grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, where she completed her education at North High School. Betsy later pursued higher education, obtaining her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University followed by a graduate degree from Columbia University. These academic achievements set the stage for a fulfilling career in education.
Early in her career, she worked as an educator at military bases overseas, which not only shaped her professional life but also ignited her passion for travel. In 1961, Betsy married Howard Yee, a fellow Phoenix native, in a ceremony held in France. The couple eventually settled in Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, where they raised five children together. In 1979, they returned to their roots in Phoenix, further establishing their family’s legacy in the community.
Throughout her career, Betsy had a profound impact in the field of education. She served as a high school counselor in California and later at The Phoenix Indian High School, where she provided guidance to numerous students. In addition to her dedication to education, Betsy became the owner of The Blue Fin restaurant, a well-known establishment downtown, further showcasing her diverse talents and entrepreneurial spirit.
Betsy played a significant role in her church community as an active member of North Phoenix Baptist Church, where she served as a Bible study teacher, influencing many lives through her faith and teachings. Her commitment to the arts was recognized when she was appointed to the Phoenix Arts Commission. Betsy was also a long-time supporter of Gammage Broadway, helping to promote and sustain the arts in the region.
Betsy is survived by her five children: Elizabeth, LeAnn, Daryl, Lynette, and Lyris, as well as her beloved grandchildren: Mark, Liam, Isabella, Lauren, Olivia, Lane, and Tripp. Additionally, her sister Shirley also survives her, adding to the close-knit family that Betsy cherished throughout her life.
Services in her honor will be held at Greenwood Mortuary on October 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Serenity Chapel. Visitation will begin at 9:15 a.m., providing an opportunity for friends and family to pay their respects and celebrate her remarkable life.
Betsy Mae Quan Toy Yee will be remembered not only for her commitment to education and community service but also for the warmth and love she shared with those around her. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
