Lucy Garra passed away July 26, 2022, in Escondido, CA, at the age of 102. She had a long and memorable life. Her final days were spent surrounded by family. She resided in Escondido, CA, for 39 years.
Lucy Garra, aka Posheng Fan, was born October 18, 1919, in Nanking (Nanjing), China, to Fan, Shu Chow, who was a scholar and civil official in China.
In China, at an early age, her family relocated to Peking (Beijing) where she attended Peking Municipal High School. She attended Yenching University in Peking, then continued her education in the School of Nursing, Rockefeller Institute, PUMC (Peking Union Medical College) graduating with a B.S. in Nursing in 1942. Studies were interrupted upon the invasion of Peking by the Japanese just prior to WWII, when the area was occupied by Japan and the university was moved to Chengdu in Sichuan. Supervisors lead the long march of students south by road and cart, staying at farms along the way, where she was able to continue her education in nursing and graduate with a master's degree in 1944.
After graduation, she worked at Hue Tian Hospital, Kunming, China, both as an instructor and as a practicing nurse. While in Kunming she was introduced to Anthony Garra, of the U.S. Army Air Corps, 14th AF, Flying Tigers, whom she would eventually marry.
Post-war, from 1946-1948, she worked in Nanking, China, at the Central Hospital, School of Nursing as Asst. Director of Nursing. An opportunity arose to go to the U.S. for one year when an American missionary patient said they needed nurses in the U.S. and helped her get papers to teach nursing to Navajo Indian students at a hospital in Arizona. She described the Navajo students as "beautiful and professional".
In 1948, while in New York, for advanced studies and a nursing position at Grasslands Hospital-Westchester County, Valhalla, NY, she rekindled the relationship with Anthony Garra, and they married in 1948, in a civil ceremony in Pittsburg, PA.
From 1949-1956, she worked as a nurse, then as a clinical instructor supervising student nurses in surgical and medical wards at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, OH, while her husband worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base (AFB). Upon relocating to Rome, NY, in 1956, she worked part time to raise the family while her husband worked nearby at Griffiss AFB. In the early 1960's, the family moved to Bellevue, WA, where she worked as a nurse at Providence Hospital in Seattle, WA, while her husband worked as an engineer at the Boeing Co. in Renton, WA, until retiring to Escondido, CA, in 1983.
She was a member of the American Nurses Association and had many interests throughout her life which included gardening, cooking, knitting, sewing, playing bridge, crafts, travel and music. She loved nature and animals with a special affinity for the Chinese Panda. She will be especially remembered for her love and care of the roses in her garden, love of music and the beautiful things in life. She was very outgoing and enjoyed socializing with friends and organizing get-togethers with neighbors. Much of her time and energy was devoted to caring for the family, and spending family time was always her way to keep the family together. Never giving up despite several struggles in life and health, she always persevered. She was proud of her heritage, the long history and rich culture of China, which she imparted to the family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Garra and brothers, Jason (Sye Sheng) Fan, and Han Sheng Fan.
Lucy Garra is survived by her daughter Aileen Rosalie Garra Lim, two sons: Brian Stephen Garra and Gilbert John Garra, along with 4 grandchildren: Jeff Garra, Kelley Lutrull, Katie Garra and Jesse Garra plus 5 greatgrandchildren: Lilly Garra, Greg Garra, Tristan Vaughn, Isaac Lutrull and Hannah Lutrull.
Our family offers our deepest appreciation to all the family and friends who showed us so much support during her final hours and throughout this difficult time in our lives. We know the Lord was with her when the time came. We are grateful for the prayers and well wishes sent our way.
Arrangements for the Garra family are with Funeraria del Angel Chula Vista.
Fond memories and condolences for the Garra family can be shared online at: dignitymemorial.com
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