Helen Pi-Yu Hsiao Kao

Englewood Cliffs - Helen Pi-Yu Hsiao Kao passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family on 27th of August 2024. Helen was 97 years old and lived a rich and full life. She was born in Yangmei, Taiwan. She met and married her husband Shih-Ming (Simon) Kao who was an accountant for the Yang Ming shipping company. The Kao family relocated to Yokohama, Japan for work. Helen's three children, John, Lynn, and Judy spent their formative years growing up in Japan. In 1974, Simon was transferred to the Yang Ming office in the World Trade Center in New York City. The family settled in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Helen, the ever-industrious entrepreneur, gave Chinese cooking classes to neighbors while learning English and studying for her real estate license. Her focus and discipline paid off, she quickly became proficient in English and passed her real estate exam. Helen founded Realty International in Fort Lee and catered to the housing needs of the Asian community. She was committed to providing the best possible customer service and treated every client like family. Business prospered and is now run by her children. Even in her 90's, Helen continued driving, checking in at the office, and working out at the gym where every visit ended with a sauna. Helen is survived by her son John and wife Julie, daughters Lynn (and husband Peter) and Judy; the nephew of her most beloved sister (deceased) Edwin Pan (and wife Haruko); grandchildren Jordan, Jeremy, Jessica, Jacqueline, Ashlynn; grand-nieces Katelynn and Annika, and great grandchildren Parker, Kai, and Ava. A private family burial will be held in early September. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Buddhist Association of the United States

Accounting Department for Donations

2020 Route 301 Carmel, NY 10512

Memo: In Memory of Helen Kao