Yuk "Winnie" Ying Wai

Yuk Ying was born on November 9, 1931, in Hong Kong. She began her career as a nurse midwife at Tung Wah Hospital, dedicating herself to caring for others—a calling that would define her entire life. She immigrated to the United States in 1963 with her husband, Davey Wai. Together, they built a life in Memphis, Tennessee, where they owned and operated a small grocery store.

When her husband passed away in 1973, Yuk Ying faced the immense challenge of raising three young children while also caring for her in-laws. She carried this responsibility with quiet strength and determination. She worked however necessary to make sure her family was cared for. Looking back, it was her love and sacrifice in action.

Yuk Ying’s home in Memphis was always open. It became a place of refuge and welcome for relatives and friends—whether they were visiting, starting a new life in the United States, or pursuing an education. There was always room, always food, and always care.

As her children grew older, Yuk Ying returned to healthcare, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant and providing compassionate home health care to many families for over a decade. She had a natural gift for caregiving, offering not only physical assistance, but also comfort, dignity, and kindness to those she served.

In the mid-1990s, after retirement, Yuk Ying’s devotion to family continued. She returned to Hong Kong to care for her sister during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. In 1997, she returned to the United States and settled in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, where she lived with her daughter, Grace and her family. There, she embraced her role as a loving grandmother—helping with her grandchildren and being present in their daily lives with patience and love.

In Yuk Ying’s senior years, she lined-danced at the Chelmsford Senior Center and took great joy in it—later delighting family by joining in and dancing at weddings over the years.

In 2025, Yuk Ying moved to Colleyville, Texas to live with her son, Robert and his family, where she spent her final year surrounded by love and care.

Yuk Ying lived a life marked by humility, sacrifice, and deep love. She found her greatest joy in helping care for her grandchildren and in being with her family. She never complained and was never too proud; she simply did what needed to be done. Her quiet strength, resilience, and generosity touched all who knew her. Her legacy is not only in the life she lived, but in the family she raised and the countless people she cared for along the way. Her love continues through them.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Davey Wai. She is survived by her three children: Grace Wissmann and her husband, Joseph, of Exeter, New Hampshire; Robert Wai and his wife, Shelby, of Colleyville, Texas; and Nancy Wai of Redondo Beach, California. She also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Mariel Wissmann, David Wai, Latham Wai, Maili Wai, Taylor Herm, Ashley Herm, and Katie Herm, each of whom brought her great joy and pride.

Yuk Ying will be laid to rest with her husband and in-laws at the historic Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. A private service for immediate family will take place on April 4, 2026. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chelmsford Senior Center