Carmen Yi

Carmen Yi passed away July 15, 2025 in Weston, FL at the age of 93 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leon Yi (1925-2015), and two sons, Leon Yi Jr. (1950-1995) and Rafael Yi (1952-1990). She is survived by her son Ramon Yi and his wife Wai Kam Tang Yi, daughter Carmen Margarita Yi Hollowell and her husband Alfred T. “Fred” Hollowell Jr., grandson Kevin Ramon Yi, granddaughter Courtney Lynn Hollowell Irwin and her husband Matthew Cory Irwin, granddaughter Caitlyn Marie Hollowell, great-grandchildren Benjamin Leo Irwin and Mia Luna Irwin, and many other relatives and friends, who will miss her deeply.

Carmen was born on September 25, 1931 in Toisan (Taishan), Canton (Guangdong) Province, China, where her given name was Ma Po Kin (馬保根). She was the third daughter of Ma Chong Wai (馬)and Liang Choi Ho (梁), but her two older sisters did not survive. At the age of 17, she went to Havana, Cuba, as a picture bride to marry Leon Yi. Also known as Wong Chuey Ja, she later took the Chinese name of Ma Lai Chin (馬麗珍), meaning “beautiful treasure,” and the Spanish name of Carmen Yi. Her only brother, Roberto Ma, joined her in Havana, and worked for the family in the grocery and restaurant business. After the Cuban revolution, the family was able to immigrate to Miami in 1961, with the exception of her brother, who later died trying to escape by boat.

Moving to New York City in 1963 to find work, Carmen was a seamstress at a clothing manufacturer in Chinatown. Subsequently, she and her husband had the opportunity to purchase and operate La Muralla China, a Cuban Chinese restaurant in Manhattan’s upper west side. In the early 1970’s they relocated back to Miami, where they opened another restaurant with the same name. In retirement, the couple took care of their granddaughters, and enjoyed traveling and going on cruises. After the death of her husband in 2015, Carmen moved in with her daughter and son-in-law. She will be remembered for her love for family and friends, her strength and sacrifice, and overcoming many obstacles.

Visitation hours are on July 25, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and on July 26, 2025 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, at Caballero Rivero Little Havana, 3344 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135, telephone 305 445 9508, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 am on July 26. Burial will be immediately following the service at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn Park North, 3260 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you make a donation to help those affected by recent central Texas flooding (such as Samaritan’s Purse, MercuryOne.org, or Kerr County Flood Relief Fund) or to your favorite charity, in honor of Carmen Yi.