Kim Lan Woo

Kim Lan Woo was born to Kwock Chou Mah (Father) and Yik Chiu Pon (Mother) in Canton, China on May 1, 1945. She was the eldest of eight children. At a young age, Kim and her brother, Brian, moved to Taiwan to live with their aunt and uncle until they were young adults.

In 1969, Kim immigrated to the United States to join her grandparents, father, and younger siblings in Seattle, Washington. She began her lifelong career in the hospitality industry at Ruby Chow’s Restaurant. She then moved to Gold Coin, where she was introduced to Joe Woo, by Joe’s brother, George, who owned Gold Coin. Joe and Kim had their first date at 13 Coins and, after a brief engagement, were married on Christmas Eve in 1970. In November of 1971, their first child, Sherry was born. In February of 1974, they welcomed their second daughter, Stacy. In December of 1979, they joyously welcomed their son, Steve. In April of 2002, their first grandchild, Elyssa, was born, and in November of 2006, their grandson, Preston, joined the family. Together, Elyssa and Preston were the great joy and love of her life, they affectionately referred to their grandma as Popo. Kim’s family also included pets Baby Ruth, Lily and Penny.

Kim and Joe worked tirelessly and sacrificially to provide piano, dance, swim and judo lessons for their children. In 1972, Kim began working part time at Ivar’s Salmon House in the evenings and weekends. Kim cared for the children while Joe worked during the day. Her part-time job at Ivar’s Salmon House, under the leadership of Ivar Haglund, would develop into a 44-year career that allowed her to touch countless coworkers and dining guests that she had the pleasure of serving. In return, they had the privilege of experiencing the Mama Woo touch.

Joe and Kim were happily married for 34 years until Joe’s passing on April 23, 2005.

Kim loved to sing, garden and treated her friends and family to her amazing cooking. She was kind, fun, generous, hysterically funny and feisty. She loved watching her Taiwanese news stations, which helped her feel connected to her home country. She enjoyed watching her Chinese dramas with Elyssa and Preston while sharing her rare Chinese teas with them. After school trips to McDonald’s for soft served ice cream were frequent. Later in life, she developed a love for Judge Judy and the humor of Friends. She especially loved to spoil her grandchildren with food, red envelopes, kisses and tight hugs.

Kim made the best shrimp and pork pot stickers and wontons from scratch. Her Doong (traditional sticky rice dumplings) were famous. Each year, she would spend weeks preparing, assembling, wrapping and steaming them for friends and family.

Kim lived for her family. She would do anything for her husband, children and grandchildren. We will always remember our mother for her passion and unwavering love for us. We love and miss you greatly. Thank you so much for everything, Mom. You were the best Mom and Popo and we were so lucky to have been loved by you.