Dr. Sun-Kyeong Lee ’90 (CLAS)

Dr. Sun-Kyeong Lee, a beloved mother, wife, sister, and cherished mentor, passed away on August 9, 2024, at the age of 66. Born on April 2, 1958, in Daegu, South Korea, she was predeceased by her parents, Young-Ran Shim (mother) and Myeong-Gyo Lee (father).

Kyeong emigrated to the United States in January 1986, bringing with her a profound dedication to the sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Physiology/Entomology at Korea University before completing her Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology with concentration in Endocrinology at the University of Connecticut (UConn), Storrs, CT in 1990. She served as a postdoctoral fellow in Bone Biology research at the UConn Health Center, Farmington, CT. Following her postdoctoral fellowship, she continued her impactful career as a faculty member with the Department of Medicine/Endocrinology at UConn Health, later transitioning to the Center on Aging (COA).

Over her thirty-four-year tenure as a professor, she made notable contributions to the field of osteoimmunology. Her colleagues fondly recall her significant impact on the field, highlighting her dedication and groundbreaking work on the role of the immune system in the development of osteoporosis. As an early pioneer in osteoimmunology, she became a sought-after collaborator and mentor. Kyeong generously shared her expertise on osteoclasts, complex cells crucial for bone degradation. She secured multiple National Institute of Health (NIH) grants and was actively involved in UConn Health’s COA and Skeletal, Craniofacial, and Oral Biology (SCOB) programs. Her extensive publications advanced the field of bone biology. Beyond research, Kyeong contributed significantly to the training of future biomedical scientists, mentoring countless students, postdoctoral researchers, and research assistants with her wisdom and guidance. She continued working until her retirement in January 2024.

Outside of her professional achievements, Kyeong had a deep passion for gardening and houseplants. Her gardens and orchids were meticulously cared for, often blooming with vibrant life. She was a talented cook, known for preparing meals that brought joy to her extended family. Her creative pursuits extended to quilting, knitting, and cross-stitching, and she was remarkably skilled with repairs, both in her home and research lab. She delighted in traveling nationally and internationally, visiting her sister and brother in South Korea, and exploring numerous other countries.

Kyeong will be remembered as a thoughtful and caring individual whose presence touched many lives. She leaves behind her son Dr. Arun Lee Malla, husband Dr. Ramesh B. Malla, brother Dr. Dong-Ho Lee, sister Sun-Hee Lee, and numerous relatives in the United States, Korea, Nepal, and several other countries, who very dearly admire and love her.

A private service was held on Wednesday, August 14th.

Dr. Sun-Kyeong Lee’s legacy of love, dedication, and wisdom will continue to inspire all who knew her.