I will always remember Mrs. Pao as a vivid woman, full of personality, passion, and life. She spoke with a heightened energy that quickened everyone and everything around her. She dressed with flair and I remember admiring her lipstick. She was a force of nature - fiery, generous, one-of-a-kind. One memory that I will cherish forever: I had decided to pursue jazz music after studying classical piano all my life, and was surprised to see her at one of my first shows in Houston as a "jazzer." I was bracing myself for the "Are you nuts? Jazz? Have you lost your mind?" speech that I heard more than once during that time. Instead, to my shock and surprise, she was encouraging, excited for me, and before she left the jazz club, she stuffed a $100 tip in my hands! I was stunned, and so very appreciative - to hear such words from someone I respected was a huge blessing. I mourn the passing of Mrs. Pao with her family, and hope we will find comfort in the truth that her life lives on in everyone she touched through her music, her teaching, and her words. 

Shu Hao Pao was a great friend to my parents, Akiko and Daniel Watanabe.  Mrs. and Mr. Pao visited, ate and traveled with Watanabes over many years.  They participated in many musical and cultural events together.  

I know that Mrs. Pao  introduced them to some wonderful restaurants.  They were all big "foodies" together.  I have always enjoyed the delicious places that they discovered.

Mrs. Pao was always a strong promoter of the arts and Young Artists.  I never had the great honor of listening to her play, but have enjoyed the music of the many young performers who she taught and supported.  Even at my work at Houston Public Media, I would run into Mrs. Pao along with one of her charges in our Classical studio.

After the passing of my father, Daniel, Mrs. Pao made sure my mother had good company and would take her to exercise at our local community center.  They would enjoy coffee together after class.  I'm sure I'm not alone is saying that she reached out and helped others in their time of need.  She kept me "on my toes", too, always making sure that I was keeping an eye on my mother.

Our deepest condolences to the Pao family at this time of great loss.  We mourn with you.  We are honored and graced to have had the opportunity to share the wonderful friendship of Shu Hao Pao.  

Fujio, Midori and Akiko Watanabe

Mrs. Pao was a dedicated educator, devoted to bringing and elevating the arts for young people. I learned so much from her and am thankful for the opportunity to be her piano student and later to help in the HYAC organization to get to know her outside of the "piano teacher" role.  She spent countless hours and effort outside of regular lessons to help us kids achieve the best of our abilities.  Now we look back and see the passion and purpose she must have had to do so.  I especially cherish the memory of a recording of classical music she gave us one year, I listened to it every night!  I am saddened by this news of her passing. I wish her peace and I wish the family peace during this difficult time.  

OBITUARY

Shuhao Pao

March 6, 1940 – December 8, 2018

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

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