Ai-Hsia Vickie Wu

Ai-Hsia Vickie Wu, aged 76, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan. Born in post-war Japan on April 8, 1948, Ai-Hsia lived a life of extraordinary academic, professional and personal achievement, inspiring so many with her brilliance and determination.

Ai-Hsia was one of three children born to Dr. Tansei Egawa, MD and Tamako Egawa, RN. Educated at Saint Maur's International School, Ai-Hsia excelled academically, becoming fluent in English, French, and Japanese, even delivering the valedictorian address in French. Ai-Hsia continued her education at International Christian University, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan, where she earned a degree in linguistics in 1969. Ai-Hsia's exceptional language skills led to her selection as one of three students providing live simultaneous translation of the historic 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing.

Ai-Hsia married her childhood sweetheart Song Fong Wu in Tokyo, Japan, then established a home in Staten Island, New York. While raising a family, Ai-Hsia also forged an impressive career path contributing her talents in simultaneous translation at the United Nations and also co-running East-West Kitchens, a cottage catering business. Ever determined to reach new heights, Ai-Hsia earned her Master's of Business Administration at night from the NYU Stern School of Business in 1984 and worked for Mitsubishi Bank and Moody's Investors Service. For leisure, Ai-Hsia indulged her love of the arts, enjoying half-price TKTS Broadway shows, music in the parks, bistros, New England bed and breakfasts and travel.

In 1992, Ai-Hsia embraced a new chapter, returning to Japan as an executive with Salomon Brothers and then Merrill Lynch, while also co-leading the non-profit organization, International Awareness Club in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact. Reigniting her passion for the culinary arts, Ai-Hsia, pursued a second master's from the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, at age 47, graduating in 1998. In 2001, after training at Au Bon Pain, Ai-Hsia opened City Sky Cafe in Taipei, Taiwan. Through lattes, curry rice and gyro sandwiches, she created a warm and welcoming gathering place for the community. In her later years, Ai-Hsia dedicated herself to teaching business English and Japanese and worked tirelessly with dog rescue organizations, reflecting her deep affection for animals.

In 2015, Ai-Hsia faced severe health challenges with courage and grace, when she experienced a traumatic brain injury, and then more recently colorectal cancer and Parkinson's disease. The family is deeply grateful to Cathay General Hospital and Ai-Hsia's loving caregiver for their long-term care and support.

Ai-Hsia leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished memories and extraordinary accomplishments that continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her. Ai-Hsia is survived by her devoted spouse, Song Fong; her loving daughters, Frances Wu Nobay and Julie Wu; and her grandchildren, Hadrian, Cal, and Thalia. Ai-Hsia is also survived by her sister Aiwei/Ivy (Kenny Fung), brother Bunko/Bruce (Atsuko Egawa), as well as four nieces Celina (Sam Glassburn), Erica (Bert Bouquet), Yuriko (Ryan Paishun Ting), Naoko (Shigeki Egawa); and three grandnephews James, Ben and Chase.

A private ceremony will be held in Taipei, Taiwan, where Ai-Hsia will be laid to rest. A celebration of her life, filled with laughter, stories, and shared memories, is planned to take place in the New York/Maryland area in Spring 2025, coinciding with the blooming of the cherry blossoms that she so loved.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a cause dear to Ai-Hsia's heart.