Barbara Wu Yu

Barbara Wu Yu, age 86, beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away on June 27, 2018 at her home in San Antonio, Texas. It was the exact date 56 years earlier that she met her future husband, Lincoln, at the Gloucester Hotel in Hong Kong. Born in San Antonio to Theodore and Rose Wu, Barbara was the first of their four children. She attended Jefferson High School (class of 1949) and graduated from Trinity University in 1953, majoring in Speech and Drama. Gifted as an orator, Barbara competed in her very first speech tournament with the San Antonio Hearst National Oratory Contest in 1953 and won the collegiate division. Her achievement earned her a spot to the national meet in Seattle. Talented in many ways, Barbara had several careers with her first one starting in Chicago where she worked for the director of The Easter Seals. Upon returning to San Antonio, she became an English teacher for Hawthorne Middle School. After meeting Lincoln and starting a family in Hong Kong in 1963, the family moved to New York City in 1966. While In New York City, she worked as an Executive Assistant for top fashion designer Adele Simpson, and routinely interacted with First Ladies Ladybird Johnson and Pat Nixon. After moving back to San Antonio, Barbara embarked on a career in Real Estate. Over a 25-year span, she worked at various firms, most notably Coldwell Banker and Kuper Sotheby from which she retired in 2007. Following in her parents' footsteps, Barbara was greatly involved in community and civic organizations. Having a natural gift for leadership and organization, she served in various officer roles at The San Antonio Women's Club, including President from 1984-86; Founders Committee of the Southwest Craft Center; and President of the Southwest Foundation Forum in 1982-83 (renamed Texas Biomedical Forum). Since she and Lincoln enjoy dancing, it comes as no surprise that together they held leadership roles with Los Alegradores. She was also a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church and served in many capacities in its congregations and schools. Whatever the task might be, Barbara served wholeheartedly. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore H. and Rose Don Wu, and her sister Priscilla Wu. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Lincoln T. Yu; her son Lincoln W. (Laverne) Yu; grandchildren Rachel and Ryan Yu; sister Millie (Loyi) Chan; brother Ted (Linda) Wu; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Monday, July 9th at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, gifts or donations may be made to Haven for Hope in San Antonio or to the charity of one's choice.