Stella Lai

February 24, 1961 - May 5, 2025
It is with great love and fond remembrance that we remember Su Fen Lai also known as Stella Lai, a loving wife, fiercely devoted mother, and true friend to so many. Su Fen was born in Taipei City, Taiwan on February 24, 1961. She was the youngest of four siblings and was raised in the bustling city. Her father being a talented musician and her mother a seamstress, she grew up with an appreciation for dancing, music, beauty, and joy. After graduating from Ming Chuan University having studied International Trade and Business Administration, she began to work at Chi Mei, an acrylics manufacturing company, as a secretary for the president, Chih Kuei Hsu. Together they grew the business in Taiwan and internationally for 5 years, and they also fell in love. They took a leap of faith to come work for International House, another Acrylics company in Norcross, Georgia.
When arriving to America on October 25th, 1985, Su Fen used the English nickname that she had picked out in childhood 'Stella', and christened her partner Chih Kuei, the matching name 'Steve'. When they first arrived, they landed in what is now Peachtree Corners and had their first child, Tai Lynn Hsu (1989). They then moved to their first house right outside of Norcross and had their second child, Jolene Gloria Hsu (1995). In 1997, Stella and Steve bought International House and renamed it S&S Acrylic. They moved to Berkeley Lake, and settled into the life they built brick by brick. Stella was an entrepreneur and a savvy businessperson; she built every detail, system, and catalog painstakingly by hand, and she was a kind partner to every person who crossed her path.
Outside of work, Stella was a loving mother, giving selflessly to both of her two daughters while encouraging their love for movies, music, and travel. She created a lovely home full of art and beauty. She frequently went back to Taiwan to visit her family with deep love and pride for her home country. She enjoyed trying new foods and seeing Broadway shows. She was a voracious cook, learning new recipes while keeping alive the tradition of Taiwanese dishes. She cared for Bichon, the family dog of 12 years, and later doted on Horchata and Mala, Jolene's two cats. She loved good olive oil and fresh ground coffee.
After building up S&S Acrylic for 25 years and raising her two children, Stella retired and found a love of yoga and tai chi. She thought deeply about spiritualism and the different ways in which a person can manifest their positive energies. Stella lived life in a way that was both generous and unapologetic.
Su Fen Lai is survived by her husband Chih Kuei Hsu, her two daughters Tai Hsu, and Jolene Hsu, her soon-to-be son-in-law Conor Bent, her brothers Peter and Kenny Lai, and sister Shelly Lai, her sister-in-law Ritna Theres, her step-son Li Hsu and step-daughter-in-law Shu-Fang Chu, her step-son George Hsu, and step-daughter-in-Law Zona Yeh, her step-daughter Hsiu-Lin Hsu, her nephews Nelson Lai and Jaimy Lai, niece-in-law Amanda Qiu, her step-grandchildren Cheng Hsu, and Joanna, Orianna, and Yovanna Hsu, and her grandniece Alya Lai.
The family will receive loved ones at a visitation for Stella at Crowell Brothers, Peachtree Corners, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners on Tuesday May 13th, 2025 from 4PM to 8PM. Her ashes will then be spread in Georgia and Taiwan.
We miss you, and will forever honor and love you, Stella.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.