Rose Kuang May Cheung

Rose Kuang May Cheung was born on January 2, 1950, in Taipei, Taiwan, the youngest of five children born to Fang Zhi and Shen See-Fong Fang. She went home to the Lord on June 10, 2026, after a brief illness.

She was raised in a family that valued Christian education, integrity, public service, and community involvement. Her father, Fang Zhi, was a respected public servant and Kuomintang politician known for his honesty and principled leadership. Her mother, Shen See-Fong Fang, provided a loving and supportive home and later embraced the Christian faith alongside many members of the Fang family.

Growing up with her siblings Junney, Marian, Elizabeth, Ben, and cousin Paul, Rose developed the warmth, curiosity, independence, and sense of purpose that would characterize her throughout her life. As the youngest child in a close-knit family, she was doted on and deeply influenced by both her parents and older siblings.

Rose graduated from college in Taiwan before immigrating to the United States in 1972. After settling in Los Angeles, Rose met Dr. Maxwell Cheung at a dance party for overseas Chinese students, and the pair fell in love. They married soon after and began building a new life in Orange County while Max established his company, MCA Engineering Inc.

Rose’s early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to family, friendship, learning, and community service—qualities that would remain central throughout her life.

Rose spent many of her happiest years raising her children, Roselyn and Ryan, building lasting friendships, and becoming deeply involved in her community. As Rose learned about the scant history of Chinese Americans, she found purpose in promoting local pride in Chinese culture and promoting awareness of how early Chinese immigrants made significant contributions to American development and history.

Rose channeled her passion into local organizations such as the Bowers Museum, Bravi 9, Orange County Multicultural Association, South Coast Chinese Cultural Association, and Irvine Book Club for several years. Max supported Rose in all her community-building endeavours. Over the years, the organizations produced countless events, advancing Chinese arts, literature, and history. The generosity of Rose’s spirit and unwavering support touched multiple generations and will continue to be remembered by all who knew her.

With Max by her side, Rose enjoyed travelling all around the world, playing Mah Jong, reading Shakespeare, and always making new friends. At home, Rose channeled her creative visual talents into gardening, painting, and interior decor. She was a voracious reader of both Chinese and English literature. When Rose lost her son Ryan to a heart attack in 2003, she focused her energies on making every day count with Max. Rose was later the proud grandmother of Michael and Max.

Max and Ryan Cheung preceded Rose in death. Rose is survived by daughter Roselyn (Kurt Schmeltzer), sisters Marian Chuang and Elizabeth Szu, brother Benjamin Fang, and cousin Paul Chao, two grandsons, Michael and Max Schmeltzer, and several nieces and nephews. We will all remember Rose forever.

Rose’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of The UCI Health Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Phyllis Hsia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the South Coast Chinese Cultural Association in memory of Rose Kuang May Cheung. Donations are accepted online at: www.sccca.org/forms/online-donation-to-sccca or by check.

Mailing Address:

Attn: Yulan Chung

South Coast Chinese Cultural Association

9 Truman Street

Irvine, CA 92620

Donors may specify in their online donation that their gift is in memory of Rose Cheung.

South Coast Chinese Cultural Association, SCCCA, is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. TAX ID: 95-3367525.