Lai Kuen Chan

Born on December 10, 1927 (May 16, 1924) to Yao Chow Mui and Chung Tai Hui in Toishan, China.

Lai Kuen attended an all-girls teaching academy, a boarding school, in China. She was among very few girls receiving a formal education at the time. Lai Kuen was a homemaker most of her life. She started working for the first time as a seamstress, sewing outdoor wear, after she immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970’s.

She was preceded in death by:

o Yao Chow & Chung Tai Mui (parents)

o Ying Ho Chan (husband)

o Howard Chan (son)

She is survived by her children and their families:

o Suzanne Wong and her sons, Larry (Grace) and Kenneth, her grandchildren, Kiana and Jason

o Hee Yan (Judy) Chan and their daughter, Juxin

o Herman (Karen) Chan and their daughters, Jadra (Rudy) and Kienna

o James Chan and his children, Lexi (Andrew) and Brandon, his grandson, Noah

o Joanne Lam (David) and their children, Jonathan and Alyssa

o Donna Hardy and her son, Clint

Lai Kuen was an avid gardener. Red and pink roses and red rhododendrons were among her favorites; she grew many in her garden. She also planted fruit trees of Asian pears, persimmons, and plums in her backyard, which flourished in her care.

She was resourceful, and a quick study. Lai Kuen taught herself knitting, and knitted many sweaters for her grandchildren when they were little. She successfully made traditional Chinese steamed and baked buns with just verbal recipes from her co-workers.

She loved kids and doted on all her grandchildren when they visited, and for whom she provided childcare while their parents worked. She was a fun grandma who built indoor and outdoor forts for the grandkids to play, and prepared home-made meals and snacks for them. Of course, she offered them Coca Cola and candies, too.

Lai Kuen will be remembered for her generosity, kindness, poise, and beauty.