Choi Kwai Yau

Yau Choi Kwai, also known as Yuki, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2023, at the age of 88. She had been the matriarch of the family, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. Her warmth, smile, energy, and love deeply touched her family and her friends. 

Yuki was born on January 20, 1935, in Kobe, Japan. She grew up during the development of World War II and emigrated to Taiwan. She spoke fondly of her grandmother and her two maternal figures. At a young age, she learned the value of hard work and dedication. She later moved to Hong Kong where she met her husband, Wai-Tung Choi (Michael). They started a family and had six children, who were the light of her life. While devoting her family first, she was able to juggle a career in the Southeast Asia entertainment industry. She was a talented musician, playing the tenor saxophone, clarinet, and piano. Michael and Yuki later formed a family band with her two eldest daughters. They visited several countries, performed in several Asian films, and television commercials. After retirement from the entertainment industry, Yuki started a toy business in Hong Kong. In addition to her amazing career, Yuki overall took pride in being a grandmother during the last five decades of her life.

Yuki was known for her warm and joyful personality. She always had a smile on her face; her strong radiant voice brought happiness to those around her. She was a kind and compassionate person. She encouraged a life of happiness and fulfillment. 

Yuki is survived by her children: Daughter, Cynthia Tse and her husband, Edward Tse; son, Wayne Choi and his partner, Michelle Kuang; son-in-law, Ho Hua; daughter, Yvonne Choi-Barbudaux and her husband, Laurent Barbudaux; and daughter-in-law, Cecilia Mo-Irving. 

Yuki is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Phillip Tse, his wife, Dr. Anna De Joya, and their son, Leo Aiden Tse; Jansina Fok-Chen, her husband, David Chen, and their children Jacob, Jaqueline, and Jason; Rita Ho; Christina Tse, her husband, Bart O'Connor, and their children, Daniel and Emily; Dr. William Choi; Edison Choi, his wife, Kaitlin Choi, and their son, Elliott; Amy Ho and her children, Halie and Haden; Jasine Nguyen; Justin Nguyen; Sebastien Barbudaux; and Ludovic Barbudaux. 

Yuki is also survived by her sibling, niece, and nephews: Brother, Kenneth Chiang and his wife, Hui Lan Chiang; her niece, Cathy Chiang-Agle and her husband, Russell Agle; nephew, Tom Chiang and his wife, Carol Liu; nephew, Joe Chiang and his wife, Patty Chiang; nephew, Ed Hwang; nephew, Daniel Chiang; and nephew, Choi Gaw.

Yuki was predeceased by her husband, Michael; her daughters, Dasina Fok, Pui-Hua Choi, and Joanna Ho; her parents, grandparents, and siblings. 

A family gathering will be held to celebrate Yuki's life and honor her memory. She will forever remain in our hearts