Long, long ago, I spent two Christmas vacations with Aunty Winnie, Uncle Peter, and their whole family. I was a college student in the East Coast, and Hawaii was too far to go back home. Before I arrived in Michigan the first time, I felt like such an intruder; after all, they had no choice but to take me in because I was "family." But once I got there, I couldn't have felt more welcomed by absolutely everyone. Aunty Winnie was wonderful, warm, and such a force, just full of laughter. She was, has been, and always will be, in my mind, a truly elegant and lovely woman. She spoke her mind and was confident, always gracious, and the perfect hostess. I recall that she was then taking gourmet cooking classes and was a longtime volunteer for the Red Cross. She seemed to be living life brilliantly: enjoying her family, laughing, and having fun. This impression was reinforced every time I saw her thereafter. I was also delighted that Aunty Winnie reconnected with my mom several months ago. What a blessing for them both. Aunty Winnie will always be, to me, a wonderful aunt and a great lady.
Memories
I have known Winnie for a very long time when she became my sister-in-law in HK. Through most of the years that followed, we lived in different places pursuing our own lives. Whenever we were together she was always generous and considerate. Seven months ago I got a surprise call from her. It was such a blessing that we reconnected. Winnie told me that she almost completely lost her vision but she exercised her brain daily. One of her goals was to call me. From purely her memory she was able to string my phone number together to contact me. I was overjoy to hear her voice. We talked for almost 3 hours. Since then we talked almost every other day.
Winnie had been an inspiration to me since the day we reconnected. I admire her determination, resiliency, and fearless goal-oriented attitude. She was proud that she successfully achieved her spiritual journey in life. One source of pleasure to her was to play the piano daily. When she lost her sight, she was amazed that she even had the ability to compose songs. She also had been translating Chinese poetry that her father taught her when she was a child. I will forever treasure my friendship with Winnie, who was adventurous, fun-loving, and met every challenge in life positively. She was caring and compassionate. She will be missed by all her loved ones around the world.
When I first met Winnie, I was in high school. She was Miss Yu, a young History teacher - very knowledgeable, conscientious, friendly. We all loved her and enjoyed attending her classes.
After I got married, she became cousin Winnie, as my husband Chiu and Winnie were cousins. I got to know Winnie and her family better. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a first-rate homemaker. We used to cook up a storm and exchange recipes and health tips.
Later on in life, I regarded Winnie more as a friend than just a relative. I could talk to her any time. She was always concerned, and caring, and cheerful.
I will remember Winnie fondly with admiration, love and respect.