Lai Lo

Lai Kwan Lo (née Chung) passed away on July 20, 2025, her across continents and through decades of change.

Born on July 22, 1935, outside the United States, Lai Kwan began her journey in a world vastly different from the one she would come to know. In the early 1960s, she worked for a family in Hong Kong; the man of the household served in the military. Despite her demanding job, she pursued English classes after work-an early sign of her commitment to growth and adaptation.

In late 1964, Lai Kwan applied for a two-year work opportunity in the United States. When she followed up at the embassy about her application status, she discovered it had been overlooked-buried under a pile of paperwork. Her persistence paid off: in July of 1965, she arrived in Santa Barbara, California. There, she began working as a live-in domestic helper for an American family. The transition was not without its challenges; one teenager in the household frequently played pranks on her and resisted her guidance. Yet Lai Kwan met these difficulties with patience and quiet resolve.

Her move to America marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with hard work and adaptation to a new culture and language. Through it all, she remained steadfast and focused on building a better life.

Lai Kwan's story is one of courage and perseverance-a testament to the strength it takes to leave behind everything familiar in pursuit of opportunity. Her journey from Hong Kong to California reflects not only personal bravery but also the broader narrative of countless individuals who have shaped their lives through determination and sacrifice.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her and serve as an enduring reminder of a life lived with quiet dignity and strength.