Debbie Lin Tsao

Our beloved mother and grandmother, Debbie Lee-Yu Lin Tsao, passed peacefully in her sleep in her daughter’s home in Dallas, Texas and went to the home of the Lord on July 3, 2024. She was 85 years old.

Debbie was born on October 23, 1938 in Keelung, Taiwan, the daughter of S.T. Lin and Mei Lin. Upon graduating high school, she worked at the local Bank of Taiwan. It was there where she caught the eye of Thomas Tsao, her future husband. After Thomas left Taiwan to study and work in the United States, distance made their hearts grow fonder. Thomas proposed via long-distance and they were married in Houston in 1961.

Debbie was the heart of their Houston home and lovingly raised two children, Amy and Kenny. Debbie taught herself to be an exceptional cook and seamstress. She would spend days preparing for big home banquets for friends. Debbie’s talents matched perfectly with Thomas’, leading to many happy memories during their 56-year marriage.

Debbie had a strong but quiet spirit and her humble actions spoke louder than her words. She was best known for her love language of food – especially her green onion pancakes. Debbie also loved flowers and gardening in her back patio. Debbie devoted her life to caring for her family and doting over her granddaughters, Irene and Natalie. Debbie spent her last seven years living with Amy, Danny, and Irene in Dallas.

Debbie is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Tung-Shan Tsao. She is survived by her daughter Amy Gow (Danny), and son Kenny Tsao; granddaughters Irene Gow and Natalie Gow (Max Lee).

Debbie never wanted to be the center of attention, so the family is planning a small private service; friends are asked to join the family in a Celebration of Life reception Saturday, July 27, noon, at Manny’s Tex-Mex Restaurant (7601 Campbell Rd., casual dress, lunch provided).

The family thanks the AABC family and friends for their support, prayers and friendship. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Debbie’s name to the Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (www.vnatexas.org).