Guan Wing Sang

Guan Wing Yee was born in Guangdong, China; Toisan District (台山縣), Lau Toi Village (樓台里) in June 29, 1922. In 1942, she married Robert Shum Yat Sang, and, over the course of the decade, she became the doting mother of three. The subsequent political turmoil in China caused the family to emigrate. With Robert in the Dominican Republic pursuing economic opportunity, Guan Wing was alone; relying upon her quick thinking and resourcefulness, she escaped Communist China with her young children. They encountered danger and endured great hardship en route to Hong Kong and then reunited with Robert in Santo Domingo in 1952.

The 1950s were a happier time for the Sang family, marked by prosperity and growth; as they established restaurants, Guan Wing gave birth to four more children. In 1965, civil war in the Dominican Republic prompted the family to flee once more. With help from the US government and sponsorship from the Rose City Presbyterian Church, Guan Wing and the family immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Portland, Oregon, where they have lived since. In the early morning of Thursday, June 21, 2012, Margaret Guan Wing Sang peacefully passed away at Providence Hospital with her family at her side. She was 89 years old.

Guan Wing is survived by her husband of 70 years, Shum Yat Sang; seven children: Richard (Amber), Jean (Don), Wun Chi (Mary), Robert (Mary Ann), Margaret, James (Trudi) and Charlie; 14 grandchildren: Anthony, Stephanie (Tom), Richard, Brookes, Bobby, Jason, Jade, Luke, Eliza, Kara, Danni, Marina, Sean, and Cameron; and one great-grandchild, Justin.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Guan Wing Sang led a simple and humble full life. She instilled a strong work ethic in her family and always stressed the importance of education and service to others. Guan Wing was an excellent cook, whose delicious meals were served to the delight of the family, She knitted sweaters, scarves and hats for all children and grandchildren. Her unforgettable smile conveyed a warm, kind-hearted nature and gentle personality, which stand as a shining example for future generations of our family.

Despite her passing, we lovingly remember Guan Wing as her spirit lives on in our hearts. We are her legacy and a living testament to her capacity to endure, to adapt, and to thrive. Wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, we all love and miss you dearly. May God bless and keep you!