In Memoriam: Mrs Esperanza “Ching” Chee Kee (1944–2025)

With deep sadness, the Ateneo de Manila High School community mourns the passing of Mrs Esperanza “Ching” J Chee Kee on 25 October 2025, at the age of 81.

Mrs. Chee Kee was a beloved English teacher at the Ateneo de Manila High School, where she taught and inspired thousands of students from 1970 until her retirement in 2011. Known for her eloquence, humor, and deep sense of care for her students, she embodied the Atenean ideals of cura personalis and magis—guiding her learners not only toward academic excellence but also toward integrity, kindness, and reflection. 

Since the announcement of her passing on 26 October 2025, colleagues and former students have shared their fondest memories of Mrs. Chee Kee on Facebook, offering tributes that capture her legacy as a teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend: 

“She usually handled the honors section, but for our batch she was assigned to us, 4-B. During our senior year in high school, she became our class moderator, and truly, she was nothing short of God-sent. Perhaps the Lord knew that more than a teacher, what our class needed was a gracious and compassionate mother to guide, tame, and care for us. That was who she was to us, a second mom.

“By the time she taught us, she was already a legend in the Ateneo High School, a Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Awardee. But she never called attention to herself, always humble, unassuming, and self-deprecating. She journeyed with us through Hamlet, Death of a Salesman, and The Catcher in the Rye, leading us to see ourselves in the stories we read and the lives we explored in class. In many ways, she affirmed to us that, most of the time, what is deeply personal is likewise universal. I now cringe thinking about the papers and essays I wrote and passed to her for our class, but she always had a kind word to say/write, building up her students, encouraging us to do better. There was never a dull moment with Mrs. Chee Kee. Our classes were always alive with insight, challenge, laughter, and yes, love.

“All our nonsense she just took in with her trademark response: “Crazzzyyy!” I remember one homeroom session when a classmate dared to dismiss all her talk about the 5Cs as pointless. Calmly, Mrs. Chee Kee said, “Since you chose to be here, to be in the Ateneo, the 5Cs must define who you are. You are free to leave if you disagree.” [Mic drop moment.] I’ve carried those words, that lesson in my heart ever since, something I strive to live out each day.

“Before graduation, she called for me to let me know that she had nominated me for an award. It was something I did not expect. I was humbled by her confidence in me. I felt unworthy. The honor was eventually given to someone else, but knowing that Mrs. Chee Kee believed I was deserving was all that mattered. That was the real award!

“Goodbye and thank you, Mrs. Chee Kee. Maraming maraming salamat po! I will forever take pride in being your student, your son. Enjoy your heavenly reward and rest now in the tender and loving embrace of our merciful God. You were called home by the Father in this Jubilee Year of Hope, a fitting honor as you are indeed Esperanza to all of us who have been blessed to have known you. Pray for us, your crazy ones.”

-Fr. Bok Arandia SJ  
 

“This is how I want to remember Mrs. Chee Kee — a rock star of the English Department. 

“She was my very first chairperson, boss, and mentor. As a colleague, she was generous with professional advice on how to be a better English teacher—and equally generous with humor, even sharing jokes at my bridal shower!

“That was Mrs. Chee Kee — a wonderful, beautiful, and truly one-of-a-kind soul of a teacher. Vaya con Dios, Mrs. Chee Kee! Maraming salamat po sa lahat!”

— Pinky Escarez, former AHS & ASHS Faculty and Administrator; currently Lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University

“She was my teacher way back in ’05. Twenty years later, I still remember her telling me that I could easily get an ‘A’ in her class if I just put in a little effort. That meant the world to me because, in that moment, I felt like she believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. RIP, Ma’am, and thank you for all the lessons.”

— Justin

“We remember Mrs. Chee Kee, a woman of warmth, grace, and quiet strength. She was the one who interviewed me when I first entered Ateneo High School, and I still remember how her kindness and sincerity made me feel welcome and at ease on that important day. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched. May she rest in peace.”

— Rommel

“She was my Language teacher in 7th grade and my Hilites org moderator in AHS. She was an amazing mentor. RIP, Ma’am. Thank you for everything.”

— Miguel

“You were amazing, Mrs. Chee Kee. We felt your love, and we loved you so much. Rest in peace.”

— Toshi

“Be at peace, Ma’am. Thank you for all the lessons. Thank you for being a great mentor.”

— Eric Tomas, AHS/AJHS Faculty

“Your legacy in Ateneo was not only in how you taught your students but also in how you guided your colleagues. To all of us—especially to new teachers finding their way—you imparted wisdom and reminded us to keep the spark of teaching alive.

“Your wit and humor were your superpowers. Oh, how I’ll miss your jokes and your laughter. Thank you for everything, Ma’am Ching.”

— Moca Dator, AHS/ASHS Faculty

“Our dear Mrs. Ching J. Chee Kee was truly an extraordinary person. Her name, Esperanza, means ‘hope,’ and she passed away in this Jubilee Year of Hope. And fittingly, she is being waked at the Hope Chapel in Arlington.”

— Meng de Guia, AHS/ASHS Faculty

“My heart is heavy today. I lost a dear friend and mentor — Mrs. Ching Chee Kee. Though she was from the English Department, she was one of my earliest role models when I was a young (Science) teacher in Ateneo. Her calm presence and infectious laughter could brighten even the most stressful meetings.

“When I became a department head at 24, I often felt anxious during meetings, but she was always so gracious and composed. I admired how she shared her thoughts—always peaceful, logical, and respectful—and I tried to emulate that through the years.

“Her laughter was unforgettable; she could fill a room with joy. She and her circle of superstar teacher friends—Gigi, Becky, and Rocky—inspired our own little group—Eloi, Liz, Meng, and me—to teach with heart and grace.

“Forever grateful, Mrs. Chee Kee. I love you so very much. Rest in peace, my dear mentor and friend.” 

— Malen Gutierrez, former AHS Faculty

“Para kay Mrs. Chee Kee: Isa po kayong huwarang guro ng Ateneo High School, bukod sa pagiging Metrobank Outstanding Teacher awardee. Sabi nga ni Ms. Almagro, kahit isa na kayong beteranong guro at tunay na institusyon sa Ateneo, patuloy pa rin kayong nagsusulat ng lesson plan.

“Palagi ninyong ipinapaalala sa mga bagong guro ang kahalagahan ng maayos at agarang pagbabalik ng mga papel ng mga mag-aaral upang mabigyan sila ng napapanahong puna at patnubay—isang kongkretong halimbawa ng cura personalis.

“Hindi rin kayo naging maramot sa pagbibigay ng papuri, paghikayat, at inspirasyon sa inyong mga kasamahang guro.

“Maraming salamat po, at paalam.”

— Jo Lechoncito, AHS/AJHS Faculty

“She was the embodiment of all things wise and eloquent. I was fortunate to be part of a time when our English teachers were giants—titans who filled the room with their wisdom and humor, mentoring us with both words and action. She was one of them.

“When she retired, I took over teaching the A classes and felt insecure because she was legendary. She was one of the standards all English teachers aspired to be. I can never be who she had been to so many, but she always assured me that I would find my own way.

“I am grateful for all the time she shared with us—and for the chance to give back by teaching her granddaughter in school. You are missed and will never be forgotten. Thank you, Mrs. Chee Kee.”

— Carol Laforteza, AHS/ASHS Faculty and Administrator

Mrs. Chee Kee will be waked at the AHS/AJHS St. Stanislaus Kostka Chapel on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Please keep Mrs. Chee Kee and her bereaved family in your prayers.