Dear Mommy,

Today is my first Mother's Day without you, and you have been on my mind all day, all weekend, for that matter all year. You came to me in my dreams early this morning, and I thank you for that. It has been a while since you visited me. But how I love it when you do.
I miss talking to you, I miss calling you to tell you I'm o.k., I even miss fighting with you.
I miss seeing your ear to ear smile every time you looked at your grandchildren. I miss hearing the pride in your voice every time you talked about your grandchildren. I miss your cooking, those amazing home-cooked Chinese dishes. I miss all the wonderful things that we used to do together, ever since I was a little girl.

You are and always will be the best Mother in the whole wide world. I miss you so, and I love you more than you'll ever know.

Happy Mother's Day.

With love, hugs and kisses,
Donna

Steve Weng

May 8, 2008

Dear Mom,

It's been a year since you left us... a long, empty year. Nothing seems the same anymore. May used to be a month when we would plan Mother's Day and your upcoming birthday in August and my annual summer visit. Now it fills us with memories of our last moments together. I still picture you dancing with Mickey and Scotty on Mother's Day 2007 and how you tried on the robe I so carefully purchased for you at Macy's... a robe you never really got to enjoy. I remember you asking me to fetch your eyeglasses so you could see the view out of the window of what you thought was a new condo, only to be
disappointed that it was a view of NYC, not New Jersey, where you really wanted to live... and that it was a hospital room window. You even correctly picked the next American Idol winner, which you never got to see or hear in the season finale which aired the following week.

Your absence was felt especially around the holidays. Donna took her family to Paris for a change of scenery and I stayed in DC. I certainly didn't miss the traveling to NYC but I couldn't help remembering all the wonderful parties you hosted at Christmas, the plays we staged, the delicious food, the gathering of friends and family.

I know your friends all miss you as well. You were the "glue" that held your social group together. Your absence has been overwhelming for all of us.

Around the holidays, I was asked to train to be a rental agent on Saturdays in my apartment building. It was a promotion, of sorts, from the front desk job (which I still do three times a week). I wanted to call you and tell you all about it but for some reason, I realized you already knew and perhaps even had a part in making it happen.

I miss our conversations. If I had to speak to you, I would just push "5" on my speed dial and we'd chat for an hour. Taking your name and number off my speed dial was another painful event. I ended up buying a new phone instead. Somehow, it was easier to start over again than to rearrange.

I loved the three "visits" you made in my dreams this past year. I'm certain they were "visits" rather than dreams since they felt so different and their timing proved they couldn't have been anything else. Detailed facts from those "visits" were even confirmed by Donna. I'm so looking forward to future communications between us.

When others tried to convey their sympathies, despite their good intentions, I noticed that, unless they've lost a parent, especially a mom that's as close as you've been to us, true understanding of loss could not be felt. The ache can be so deep, it leaves you hollow and in tears. Then, the emptiness just lingers. I'm so glad Donna, her family and I have each other. The emptiness and tears can be shared. It helps to ease the pain.

I'm in my apartment surrounded by many of your wall hangings. When I cook or get a drink, I use your pots, pans and glasses. Somehow it's very comforting to have your possessions here and in use. It sends a message that you're not that far away... and if I need you, you're there and looking over my shoulder and smiling.

Please give my love and regards to Dad.

Love you always,

Steve

Jocelyn Donaghue

August 21, 2007

Well, at last I find the Rosalta Weng guest book. Sorry Mama Weng - that occasional delay, round about routing happens but I always managed to get to your gorgeous (and slightly talented) daughter's concerts whenever I was in town, or nearby. And thank goodness for that as this was usually where we'd all have our reunions with Mama Weng - especially poignant for me, given that my twin sister Donna would be playing and Mama Weng and I were always so proud of her. Ah, that fabulous Mama Weng smile, giggles and laughter - thank you for sharing that joy with all of us - and giving us those great memories of you. In my heart Mama Weng always. xxxxxxx Your well-behaved twin Joce

donna weng friedman

August 10, 2007

Dear Mommy,
It is your birthday today, and we all just wanted to tell you again how much we love you and miss you. The kids hope you like the birthday cards they made for you.
Last week's party for you was a big success, we tried to do everything just way you would have liked it. So many of your friends and family were there to celebrate your life. You have touched so many lives in so many ways. It was a wonderful tribute to you and all that you have accomplished.
Mickey thought she saw you, sitting at the table with your good friends. I can so easily picture you, looking stylish and beautiful, chatting away with Auntie Louise and Auntie Caroline.
You would have been very proud of Steve, he worked very hard to make the memorial special, and he spoke so beautifully about how you changed his life. Mickey and Scotty were wonderful as well, they read their letters to you and helped out in so many ways. Scotty played his guitar for almost and hour welcoming the guests while Mickey handed out the programs that we put together for this occasion. It would have all been perfect, if only you were there to enjoy it with us.
Mickey, Scotty, Craig and Steve join me in sending our love to you on this day, and every day that goes by without you in it.

All my love,
Donna

Victor Yen

August 2, 2007

My family and I have known Auntie Rosa and her family for at least 45 years. We met at Louise and T.T.Yieh's apartment in Queens at - what else? - a mah jong party. Those mah jong parties were legendary, just like a scene from "The Joy Luck Club." Auntie Rosa was as always friendly and outgoing and interested in her guests, and from then on began the longest running "conversation" between mothers from the Yens, Wengs and Yiehs. They amazingly had many common interests and traits. As Uncle T.T. has said, the meeting was like "love at first sight."

Through births, graduations, marriages, retirements, holidays, vacations, get togethers, and relocations from Queens to N.J., we have always been there as an extended family. When the husbands were at work and the children at school, mornings were THE times for Auntie Rosa and my mother (and, and of course, Auntie Louise)to catch up in equally legendary marathon talk sessions. It was better than CNN or Entertainment Tonight for them. I was always amazed about how much there was to talk; I remember the times when I was at home that could easily talk for 4 or 5 hours straight in one sitting, sometimes while multi-tasking other things as well. They should have had their own talk or radio show. Topics ranged from current events, investments, fashions, the children (which exasperated the children), health and the juicy gossip of the day. There were also innumerable lunches and shopping trips to the mall.

I have always considered that three of the main women influences in my life have been my own mother, of course, Auntie Louise and Auntie Rosa. Such good and similar friends were they that sometimes they seemed interchangeable. Between the three of them, you were pretty much covered in terms of staying the straight path and minding your behavior. Together, they were strong willed forces of nature with whom you did not cross and woe to anyone who would do so - they could keep you in line with a look, a stare, and a single comment.

Whenever on weekends we were deciding what to do on weekends, we always wanted to include Auntie Rosa (and Donna and Uncle S.T. when they were around). It always seemed including Auntie Rosa made for a better time. And she made the best shrimp toast (only for me, according to Donna). Thanks for the shrimp toast and all your affection, Auntie Rosa.

Alex Lee

July 30, 2007

Dear Aunt Rosa,
It is with tremendous sadness to hear you have departed us.

My first memory of you was your visit to our Hong Kong apartment when I was five or six. You were the glamorous world traveller who brought me the "real western jeans". I wore that so proudly the next day to kindergarden and showed it off to everyone.

Over the years, I got to know you better and met Stevie, who loves model houses and Donna, who performed the Twist for us when she was three.

You invited me to spend X'mas with you when I first went to Calgary to study. You and your family provided the much missed warmth and love to a home sick seventeen year old. I must have given you quite a scare when I caught the flu and spent most of the time on the couch. To make matter worst, I had an allergic reaction to the medicine.

Pat met you the first time when we visited New York and you'd arranged for tickets to Fiddler On The Roof right after we arrvied on the bus from Toronto. The bus air conditioning broke down during the 10 hour trip and the outside temperature was in the 90s. The cool dark theater was so inviting that we must have dozed off throughout the show. You and Pat became best friends transcending the generation differences.

We'd stayed very close even though separated geographically. Everytime we met, we had these long chats into the wee hours in the morning. Topics varied from raising kids to family to life. Pat and I enjoyed our chats and we will miss them now that you are gone.

As one gets older, one tends to believe in kismet, that the people one meets in life are not by random but somehow destined. Each enhances the other's lives. Aunt Rosa, we have a very special connection and we thank you for enriching our lives. This connection is not bound by time and space and will be in our hearts forever.

You have gone ahead in the journey of life. We look foreward to the time we meet again.

Love,

Pat and Alex

Juliet Li

July 24, 2007

My Dear “Second Sister” Daoji:
I was greatly shocked by the sudden sad news. All the memories of you came to my mind, so clear and sweet…

You were the only example my father set for me in my childhood. Everyone in our family knew that you were extremely good at English and very popular in your high school. You were not only smart and pretty but also well-nurtured and elegant. You were the pride of our family. In my mind your were just perfect and like a princess. In order to follow your foot prints, my father insisted to send me to another famous American mission school in Shanghai-St. Mary’s Girls’ School. At that time you were studying at Yanjing University in Beijing and became popular there in just a few months. You were allowed to skip the English classes for the first two years because your English was already above the level. I admired you so much. When you came back to Shanghai for the vocations, I would always “ keep an eye on you”—how you walked, how you danced, how you smiled, how you talked, how you dressed…. Everything I learned from you. At school, as my father had wished, I spent most of my time on English, hoping to grow up like you. Was I really a “fan” of yours? What a great influence you had had on me!

After you got married, you went abroad and we were separated for more than 45 years. During those years, my father stayed in Hongkong alone, leaving his family in the mainland. Whenever you passed Hongkong you would go and visit him. You gave him a lot of love and help. You warmed up his lonely heart. You did much more than we children could do. When my daughter Tina(kui)and her family first settled down in New York in 1995, you also gave them a lot of help. They enjoyed your mother-like love. You were really a person full of love and kindness.

When I told you that Donna bursted out crying and shouting "Thank God! Thank God!” as she heard you came to yourself from unconsciousness after your operation, you asked eagerly: “Really? Really? I said:"Yes, yes!” You were really touched and seemed so very contented and satisfied. I knew you were very proud of her and you were so pleased that she loved you and cared for you. You gave all your love to her and her family. You had done all you could for them. They love you in return.

I was very lucky to have talked with you over the phone after you got the family album I asked my daughter to deliver to you. It was only a month before you went away. You said you were very tired and prepared to go at any time. I knew you had been optimistic and strong enough to fight your disease. You had tried your best. Now you can rest with no regrets.

Your love for all of us, your brilliant image, your sweet smiles, and your perfectness will live in my heart for ever…

Rest in peace, my dear sister!

Your “3rd sister” Daohou

Daoyou Li

July 19, 2007

In Memorial of Our Beloved Sister ----- Rosa
(PART 1)
Our dearest sister Rosa quietly left us. Her smiling face & lovely voice, however, are still vividly appearing in front of our eyes… refreshing our fond memories from the past.
Rosa is 10 years older than I. When I started to remember things, she was already an elegant teenage, riding happily an orange colored bicycle to school everyday. From what I can recollect, she almost never spent time on books and homework’s, but always ended up on top of her classes. She was so talented that she always ranked No.1 in various English composition and speech competitions. Rosa had a wide range of interests and she had passion for American movies, especially those sentimental ones. Each time she went for such a movie, she cried but insisted to watch it till its end, and often came out with several wet Handkerchiefs. She loved to sing English songs and often stood by our old hand gramophone to practice and sang along. Her appetite for classic novels could get her forgetting meals and sleep. She also had a passion for Chinese Opera. Once, our 6th uncle (Ambassador Li’s father) came to our house to join her Chinese Opera play as her Erhu accompaniment. That lovely scene is still something so vividly surrounding me: she sang and he cheered and applauded from time to time, both so loudly and in rhythm. Rosa also loved to dance. One such dance party she held is worth a special mention here. That day, she got up really early to start to prepare the floor and decorate the room. She mopped the floor and then put baby powder on it so it would not be slippery during the dance later. I could not understand much of the dance at that age. But, what a dance party meant to me was an occasion I could enjoy my favorite Coca Cola, something considered luxury in those days, especially when it was in those cutely shaped glass bottles. So that day, I was excited and went up and down the stairs also since morning, supposedly assigning myself a role to help check on temperature in our icebox filled with coke bottles. Rosa found my little secret and pulled me over. She then grabbed a bottle from the icebox and gave it to me: “take it now and go enjoy it. Don’t worry, if being asked, I would explain to parents”. I was so happy not only for having the coke ahead of time but also for having an older sister who could take care of me. She was really my guardian angel.
Another memorable event of that time frame was like this. One day when Rosa came home, she told all of us that her school was to do a show and she decided to do audition for a role of an evil queen. After hearing this, our parents had a serious concern, worrying about that this could lead to a bad image of her afterwards. But Rosa insisted and said: ”I read the script seriously. This is a big role and no one wanted. Acting and life are two different things. I trust that people would not look down on me if I act well. A good actress for this role is someone who can make all audience hate the characters she presents.” Finally, our parents were persuaded. Of course, as usual, Rosa successfully acted that role and received excellent review after the show. Our father was so happy and couldn’t help but to praise her so many times in front of me.

Daoyou Li

July 19, 2007

In Memorial of Our Beloved Sister ----- Rosa
(PART 3)
In 2003, per Rosa’s proposal, she, my brother and I had a reunion in Ningbo. I spend about 10 days accompanying her during that trip. We had endless things to chat about, from her being always on losing side for most real estate transactions, to how to cook a good dish of pan-fried noodles, we chatted day and night, often till 2:00 am. I have to say that she did about 2/3 of the talking. But I was amazed that I was not drowsy at all when listening to her, maybe because she could convert any mundane topics into something so lively and interesting.
I was lucky to be able to visit Rosa last year after her esophagus operation in New York. When I first saw her, she was not able to speak. But she could write to communicate to all of us. She wrote with hummer to me the following: “See, God is punishing me for talking too much in my life. So I must be quiet now”. In her last birthday party that Donna and Craig put together for her, she was in good spirit and could not stop trying to spit some words out. She grabbed me to her side and tried her best to tell me: “Throughout the recent ordeal, Donna and Craig spent a lot of money and time, and treated me so nice and so patiently. I feel especially deeply touched by Craig and he is the best son-in-law under the sun.” At the same time, she wanted to make sure I captured her meaning and thus also used a hand gesture to me by putting her thumb up when talking about Craig. I surely understood her meaning and told her that: “See, you were surrounded by so many people whom you loved and cared all your life. Now Donna, Craig, Steve, Mickey and Scott along with so many of your friends all showed you so much of their appreciation, their loving and caring at your difficult time. It is a blessing and you are a lucky lady.” At this point, let me take a pause and use this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you, her relatives and friends who provided so much support, and tender loving care during her last mile of journey.
As recent as April 30th, Rosa called from her New Jersey home to us in China. Judging from her voice, we felt her strength appeared to be on the rise and her spirit was high. We were all glad that she was recovering. She was happy to let us know she could live independently at that time. We also shared with her our side of good news: we just had a new baby granddaughter from our younger daughter, Xiao Rei. She was so excited and congratulated all of us. Oh, God, how could we possibly knew that this was our last conversation with her. Sister, you left so sudden, leaving us all in such a surprise and deep grief after. But, as we started to reflect, we could appreciate this arrangement by God. As your condition became irreversible, why should you go through additional physical and emotional tortures if there were a quick exit to heaven?
Rosa, our dearest sister, may you rest in peace in heaven. Your smile shall forever be remembered in our hearts!

By
Dao-yu, Jing-yi, with daughters, Li Jia-mei, Li Rei, son-in-laws, Wang Qing and Ye Wei
May 22nd, 2007

Daoyou Li

July 19, 2007

In Memorial of Our Beloved Sister ----- Rosa
(PART 2)
Rosa left all of us to go abroad at the end of 1940’s. For the next 20 years or so, we could only receive bits and pieces of her information. Each time we got a letter from her, our parents treated it like a big event and they read it over and over for many days, often with tears in eyes. From what I could remember, Rosa’s letters contained no fancy words, but full of intimate chats and cares, just as if she sat and chatted in front of you.
The year 1973 was one of the most memorable years for all of us. As the deeply frozen relation between the United States and China started thawing, Rosa grabbed the first opportunity she could have and flew back to have a reunion with all her loved ones. Our father, after being tortured for years by the Cultural Revolution, Parkinson disease and fear of not being able to see his beloved daughter in the rest of his life, broke into tears at his first sight as he trembled forward to hug Rosa, an equally sobbing daughter. However, in the two weeks after this date, our father looked so relieved and enjoyed. Rosa was constantly on sides of both parents, taking every little details of care of them as if she could use every moment of this precious opportunity to make up for her decades of loss. Rosa, we all understand you and such a painfully long separation was not your fault. You had done all you could with your dutiful heart in such a difficult time.
Thanks to Premier Deng Xiao-Ping who reopened China to the world. The number of our reunions with Rosa increased dramatically. Here, I would like to mention something we observed in those reunions. Rosa’s dressing along with her elegant temperament impressed us all in general, especially our two daughters. What impressed me the most was her shopping appetite. Each time she came back, she bought a lot of new clothing and she liked to show them off to us. However, being lived all our simple lives within China, our senses of color and fashion styles were not up to par. But we also knew she would like to be praised for her accomplishments. Thus, we often praised whatever she showed against our conscience so we could enjoy her child-like smile and sense of satisfaction afterwards. I remember one day she showed me an oddly colored, traditional Chinese style gown, something she just bought for $200. This time, I could not just do it because it was a little too much to me. I thus timidly questioned her for what occasion she could use such an expensive but very uniquely looking outfit. I forgot how she replied but years after I could still remember this purchase and therefore once followed up with her. She gave me a guilty look and admitted that the gown was still hung in her closet and it was never worn even once. Another thing worth mentioning is that her shopping hobby often challenged her ability to pack her own suitcases. I was thus called to help each and every time. One such day, I had to scratch my head and tried several times to rearrange all her stuffs to finally have managed squeezing all of them in her shape severely deformed suitcase. She came and praised me: “ Oh, little brother, you are so great and helpful. Thanks for your help. It looks like I can perhaps go out to buy a couple of more.” I almost cried out.
Rosa had a great sense of pride. From what I remember, her invitation by Premier Deng Xiao-Ping to join his bridge party might have been one of those proudest moments in her life. That morning she went for a book shopping to Wang Fu Jing for “Selected Works of Zhou En Lai”. No one knew what it was for till she took the book out for Deng’s autographs during a short break in between bridge plays. Reporters captured this precious moment and before long some photos and news showed up in many newspapers and magazines. Other guests who were also invited could only regret for their own lack of smart and missing their golden opportunities. Afterwards, even few of my colleagues came to me praising her: “Wow, your sister was really smart” after they read the story.

Daozeng & Qing

July 16, 2007

Dear Sister Daoji

The sad news of your sudden departure shocked us. The only lucky thing I felt is that both Chi and Yao could rush to your bedside to say goodbye and wish you a happy journey.
Now as we start to unwind decades of memory, things are so vividly appearing in front of our eyes just like yesterday. Life was simple and happy when three of us (an older sister and two younger brothers) were at childhood ages. The three of us lived together in a cozy single-family dwelling at He Ping Village with our parents and our live-in nanny. Relatives, family friends and even neighbors often came in to visit us and so many times our parents got praising words about you for not only your excellent records at school, artistic temperament, but also a good balance of sense of hummer, morality and respect. To some degrees, you managed to inherit all the good characteristics of our parents. Although we were not rich at that time, our parents did spend some good money to pay for you to get into the top school in Shanghai to get you the best education available. Of course, you returned on those investments with many glorious achievements including receiving the top trophy for a highly competitive English Speech Competition at your high school. It’s true that you grew up in a unique environment of interweaving both traditional Chinese and modern western culture. We were all so proud of you as a role model of integrating a right mix of good Chinese traditions with essence from western civilization. You were modest, prudent, having good code of ethic on the one hand, and seeking truth on scientific grounds and being practical on the other. Your entire life is a good mirror reflection of such a complementary cultivation of your inner world empowered by this mixing.
As the Sino-American relation was renormalized after the Chinese government’s adoption of the Open-Reform policy in late 1970’s, you and our brother-in-law were among the earliest to travel across the Pacific to help on various governmental industry modernization projects. Owing to many recognized contributions you made together, you were invited by then Premier Deng Xiaoping and vice Premier Wan Li at sacred places like ZhongNanHai and DiaoYuTai to play bridge games together. We all know that this represents a top-level trust that very few Chinese Americans could ever be honored with. If not for recognizing some significant contributions you made to improve the Sino-American friendship at a critical moment in history, what else could it be?
Setting aside the efforts and contributions you two made to China’s modernization, the love and care our family received from both of you can also be regarded as monumental. We can still vividly remember as early as 1979 when Qing and I had opportunities to separately join some government groups to visit the US, you gave us not only a lot of advices for how to deal with various situations, but also equipped us with effective working tools like camera, slide projector, and so on. With your persistent effort and diplomatic skill to arrange things, Qing finally could visit some places that were otherwise very difficult to be arranged, such as some processing and reutilization sites for slag/industry wastes and some technical institutes in related fields. Those visits gained her critical knowledge and experience; established her working relations with these organizations. On top of these very rewarding helps to both of us, your help to bring our sons, Chi and Yao to the United State to advance their graduate studies did, perhaps, the biggest favor in their life times. Both of them received countless care and kindness from you during their study. They told us in many occasions that you treated them just like your own kids for all those years. Their personal and career successes were definitely not possible without your involvements and care.
In short, we can’t possibly count on all the care and kindness we received from you in a letter like this. We feel so lucky and grateful to have you as our elder sister. When the news broke that your illness took an unexpected turn to the worse, our minds were blanked just like being hit by a lightening bolt. Words seem so powerless to describe our sadness. The only peacefulness we feel in hearts is that both of our sons, Chi and Yao could make it to your bedside and they had some quality moments with you before your eternal journey.
Last but not the least, we wish you a happy reunion with husband and our parents. May you enjoy peacefulness in heaven!

Daoyu Li & Jingyi Wang

July 15, 2007

Hi! Rosa, My Dearest Sister :
How are you these days starting a brand-new life in heaven? Have you gotten used to that happy-go-lucky, peaceful and quiet life style?
Your life in the world was always rich and colorful. So we think you would not allow yourself to be lonely in heaven, and thus you must have been seeking more pleasure in the new environment Maybe you would have been sitting closely together with our parents and chatting. Oh! So many years of separation from each others, there must have been a lot to catch up; Maybe you would have accompanied S.T. to play BRIDGE again with Mr. Deng Xiao Ping. Let us know which book you would prepare for Mr. Deng’s autograph this time. Maybe you would have been wondering around in paradise enjoying those magic sceneries. Hope you would remember this time not buy too much clothing and souvenirs. Otherwise I might not be able to help you squeeze them all into your suitcases. We really wish someday in future, there could be a network built-up between heaven and real world, so we could hear your lovely voice and listen to your lively description of paradise!
My dearest sister, we miss you so badly! We sincerely wish you enjoy the happiness in paradise. You will live in our heart forever!

Nancy Bonini

July 15, 2007

My Dearest Mrs. Weng,

You will be in my heart always for I will always cherish your warmth, your burst of personality, your advice, and how you made us laugh. You were the dearest mother ever to Donna, by giving her strength and confidence with such deep love. This was so clear in all your interactions with her, and you extended this wonderful and precious love to myself and all of her friends.

You will be missed greatly by all of us. Your warmth and love will be forever in our hearts.

With much love,
Nancy

Kui, Robert, Ken & Joyce Jin

July 13, 2007

Dear Aunt Rose:

We can't believe that we can no longer see you again, but our memories about you will be cheerished in our hearts. Especially, our last time together was just one month before you passed away.

Looking back, this last time together has become an important family mission accomplished when the family-tree book that my mother spent years to compile was hand-delivered to you and shared with you, with so much refreshed memories, which made us feel consoled that the family legacy will be sharing between you and the rest of family, both in haven and on earth.

To friends living afar, the Chinese saying goes "A bosom friend afar brings a distant land near"; To all the family members growing from or somehow related to the family tree same as yours, we are all thankful that you brought the family closer together because you were our family center -- it's around you for so many occassions that we, old or young, always ate the delicious, shared the happiness, cheered the successful, celebrated the accomplished, felt your kindness ... as a family, and from now on, we will miss you and remember all these memories for ever...

Kung Liang Lee

July 11, 2007

My dear Sister-in Law,
I have known you ever since I married into the Li family, and you were only 11. But over the years we have grown so close that I think of you as my little sister.
We live in different parts of the world, but we manage to keep in touch; and the many reunions are memorable and touching.
I treasure the phone calls we made to each other in May, and we talked about the old movies we like to see. We had such a good time. I can still hear your laugh.
I have lost a bosom friend. I will always remember you.

Pauline Tao

July 11, 2007

Dear Aunt Rosa,

I am devastated you left us so quickly. I am still waiting to welcome you to my home (as you had promised), where you and my Mom planned to visit and chat. You are more than an aunt to me: you are my role model, my guidance counselor and teacher.
When I was a teenager in Hong Kong, you were the elegant, accomplished and adventurous aunt that I was proud to show off to my friends. You were also the understanding aunt who showed me the world out there and what role I could play in it. I treasured the letters you wrote to me while you were expecting Donna.
When I became a mother, I wanted to know how you raised a musical prodigy, so I wouldn't miss developing the potential of my children. When my children grew up, you listened patiently to their ambitions and gave them the much needed boost of confidence. You were the "hip" grand aunt! They took to you the same way I looked up to you.
I will always miss reaching for the phone to talk to you. May you rest in peace.
Love, your niece Pauline

Mabel Lee

July 1, 2007

Dearest Auntie Rosa,

I miss our phone conversation. You always tease me why I want to live in Regina SK, nothing to do. I miss your friendly advise.

Remember the Alaskan cruise we took? You, me and my parents? We had such good time, good food and company. I enjoyed that trip very much.

I was waiting for you to get better so I can come and visit. Taste all the good Chinese restaurants you promised we would go (which I cannot get in Regina).

I miss you so much, my loving and caring aunt. May you rest in peace.

Love, Mabel

Sharon Tao

June 27, 2007

Dear Aunt Rosa,

We met only twice--once in Indiana, and once at Donna's wedding. Although these meetings were brief, I will always remember your warmth and kindness. You are in my thoughts. Sharon

Tracy, Jeremy & Kyra Levy

June 25, 2007

We will always remember Rosas pleasant ways, friendliness and kindness and especially how she made us feel so much at home whenever we spent time together. We know that all the good memories will keep her close to you.

Beverly Friedman

June 21, 2007

To my dear Rosa,

It is with great sadness that I write this note wishing I was able to tell it to you personaly.

Losing you was heartbreaking. Getting to know you was a wonderful experience. You know, we had a common bond from the beginning when our children got engaged and especially when our grandchildren were born. It was felt between us all the time. We sometimes expressed it to each other when we spoke over the phone or in person.

We were the same in so many ways i.e. loving, family oriented and focusing on the education of our children. It showed itself when we all got together, at your home or mine, which was fairly often,observing holidays and birthdays. We also felt this bond hoping someday just to spend time with each other by ourselves and staying over at each others home. Unfortunately, we didn't get around to that.

When you entertained us at your home your food was always delicious and prepared with such care.I remember one Thanksgiving when you tried so hard to please us by serving a more traditional American fare with turkey and the fiasco that occured. But no one cared. We were all together as family.

Harvey would have agreed with everthing I mentioned. I know he loved you as I did.

I miss you so much.

Rest in peace.

Beverly Friedman

Eric Tao

June 21, 2007

Auntie Rosa... I will carry your strength of character and spirit with me for the rest of my life. You have been and always will be an inspiration to me. I feel a profound sense of loss in your absence, and I miss our time together immensely. I miss seeing your smile.

I never got to cook a meal for you in return for all the meals you've cooked for me over the years, and it's something I'll regret for a long, long time.

I miss you Auntie Rosa. You'll be with me forever.

Terhilda Garrido

June 21, 2007

Dear Mrs Weng (for you will always be Mrs Weng to me no matter what my age)

Although you knew me through Donna, you welcomed me warmly into your home and your extended circle.

I knew you to be a woman of strength and pragmatism - traits I greatly admired. You also seemed so wise and all knowing. As I remember your story about shaving your legs before your first date with Mr Weng, I smile.

I remember your pride in Donna and your caring admonitions.

But most of all I remember how close you and Donna were. How much she counted on you (and I suspect you on her )for your those daily calls. That closeness and sharing is something I hope to replicate with my children. Thank you for that lesson in motherhood.

Chi Li

June 19, 2007

Dear Aunt Rosa

I remember not very long ago it was you who picked me up at the JFK airport when I came to the United States. It was you who supported me to the universities in the NYC. It was you who taught me to be a responsible and accountable individual. It was you who drove me to the Magic Wok restaraunt in Fort Lee to work and learned to be independent. It was you who came to the restaraunt in the snowy nights to bring me home. It was you who gave me encoragement to finish my study and pursue the professional career here in the land of opportunities. So much love, so much care....

I remember you came to Michigan to visit me. I remember you came to Beijing and spent a weekend with us. I remember the joy and happyness in the holiday parties you hosted time after time, year after year.

I will always remember your smile, your kind words, your great love for our extended family, your attention to everyone.

You will always live in our heart, in our memory.

Sheila Levy

June 19, 2007

Dear Rosa,
It was such a gift to me to be able to share Mother’s Day with you, before you began your final journey home.
I remember you telling me that you were so very tired and ready to go.
But – what I will always remember is that you told me how grateful you were to have had such a wonderful life!
May your family, children, and grandchildren be comforted and ultimately uplifted to know that your love and devotion has made them who they are.
What will always remain will be your continuing love for each other and the memories that this love will always evoke.
Knowing you has been an honor for us all.
Rest Well Rosa.

Craig Friedman

June 19, 2007

Dear Rosa,

You have touched me so deeply. My memories of your
warm and loving smile, and your generosity of spirit
evoke warmth. My memories of the kindness and caring that you
lavished on my family evoke gratitude. My memories of
your laughter and good cheer and the wonderful family
experiences that we shared evoke love. Sadly, you are
no longer with us; I miss you and feel a deep sense of
loss. Thank you for everything.

Love,
Craig

sophie wu Chen

June 18, 2007

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Daoyu Li

June 18, 2007

Dear sister, Daoji,
I still could not believe you have left us. Your passing away came as a thunder out of the blue. During the years when I was working in New York and then in D.C., what I enjoyed most were our visits with you. You were so kind to us, make us feel like home-coming. I miss your smile, your old stories about our family, your delicious cooking, and your optimism. Your love for me, my wife and my sons will be remembered forever.
You will always live in our hearts.
Daoyu

Calvin Li

June 18, 2007

Dear Grand Aunt,

I am sorry that I could not be with my family when they came to see you off becuase that happened during my college final exam period. I just want you to know that I am thankful for all the memories you have provided me with when we still lived in New Jersey. I knew that you have helped my uncle and my father to settle into this country, I knew you were the first to bug me beside my parents after my birth. My house still has few pieces of old but memorable furniture around that you gave to my parents when they first settled down. Although we have not met since I moved to California, I still have a clear and loving image of you which my brain recorded when we were all a bit younger. I will always remember those Christmas and Thanksgiving parties at your apartment, your lovely gifts and kisses, some things we no longer have since we moved to California. My thoughts go out to you now. I’m sorry that I wasn’t closer with you.

Love,

Monica Li

June 18, 2007

Dear Grand Aunt

I want to let you know how sorry I feel for not being able see you again. Over the years, you’ve helped my family a lot. Without you, my parents wouldn’t be living in the US, and my life would be very different. My parents often remind Calvin and me that how much care you gave to them and how excited you were when we were born, when my parents got green cards, bought new houses, etc. You’ve always cared about my family, and always asked our well-beings even during your sickness. I’m thankful that you are my Grand Aunt.

Monica Li

Steve Weng

June 16, 2007

Mom,

It's been more than four weeks since I've heard your voice; more than four weeks since I've received your weekly phone call; more than four weeks since I've heard your complaints and opinions; more than four weeks since I've heard your critique of my clothes, my hair and my weight; more than four weeks since I've heard your advice (and unwisely chosen not to follow it); more than four weeks since I've tasted your delicious cooking; more than four weeks since we've shopped together at the mall; more than four weeks since we've laughed together at the reruns of "Everybody Loves Raymond"; more than four weeks since we've exercised together; more than four weeks since I've slept through the night; more than four weeks since I woke up each day and not felt the deep, indescribable pain of your absence; and it's been more than four weeks since a day went by and I didn't say out loud "I miss you so much and I'll always love you."

Steve

shiao di friedman

June 16, 2007

Dear Bu-Bu,
I miss you. I miss being your therapist, helping you excercise and playing with you. I miss singing to you before I go to bed at night. I miss eating the great food that you cooked for me.
I love you alot.
love and kises,
ong shiao di

shiao nu friedman

June 16, 2007

Dear bu-Bu,
I miss you so much. I think of you all the time and I remember the many fun times we had toegether. Like walking down the street, playing with my toy castle, watching the cooking channel and laughing at those silly cartoons.
Please visit me often in my dreams. I love you.
love and hugs,xoxo,
ong shiao nu

donna friedman

June 16, 2007

To my dearest Mommy,
I miss you. You gave me my life. You were my protector, my teacher, my moral compass, my comfort. No one worried about me the way you did. No one loves me the way you did.
Please forgive me for the times I caused you pain, and for the times I took you for granted. I can't begin to fathom all the sacrifices you made for my sake.
I want to thank you for all the ways you blessed my life. Nothing can replace the gaping hole your death has left in my life. But mixed together with all my sadness, there is a great joy for having known you.
I will remember your smile, your touch. I will remember your laughter, your kindness, your generosity, your determination, your love.
Thank you for the time we shared, for the love you gave, for the wisdom you spread. I will always treasure the lessons you taught me. I will carry them with me all the days of my life. I am so proud to be your child.
May God watch over you and bless you, with gentleness and with love. As you blessed me. Rest in peace.
With all my love,
Your daughter,
Donna

Hong-Bing Chen

June 16, 2007

Aunt Rosa

I miss the time I spent with you, from chatting, dining, to shopping together. I was so happy not a long ago that you accepted my invitation to considering to visit us for a short period in California this summer. But you left so sudden and left us so unprepared. I don't blame you. All your life, you were so considerate and demonstrated your wisdom and love for all of us. You must have an urgent reason to go so soon. For sure, we will meet at another time and continue our chat. Good bye !

Yao Li

June 16, 2007

Auntie Rosa,

Your endless love and care of me and my family will always be remembered. May you rest in peace in heaven.
We love you!

donna friedman

June 15, 2007

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