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1946 - 2020

BORN

1946

DIED

2020

About

University of California| Berkeley

Judy Yung Obituary

Judy Yung
January 25, 1946 - December 14, 2020
Our family, friends, and community are mourning the loss of Judith "Judy" Yung. Born and raised in San Francisco Chinatown, she was the fifth daughter of immigrant parents detained at Angel Island.

A graduate of Galileo and St. Mary's Chinese Language high schools, she earned her B.A. in English Literature and Chinese Language from SF State College. She also earned a Master's in Library Science then Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley.

Her many professional accomplishments include establishing the first Asian Public Library (Oakland) in America; breaking new ground on documenting the histories of the Immigration Station on Angel Island and Chinese women of America; and inaugurating the first courses in Asian American Studies at UC Santa Cruz. A beloved professor and recipient of multiple awards from community and professional organizations, Judy's primary commitments remained her community and family.

Judy passed away on December 14, 2020 after suffering a fall in her home. She is survived by sisters Sharon, Sandy, Virginia, and Pat, and 22 nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. A memorial celebrating her life will be held this spring, when conditions allow.

To continue her work and honor her legacy, donations can be made to the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, or any community nonprofit of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 31, 2020 to Jan. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Judy Yung

17 Entries

Pattie Fong

September 19, 2024

I had the privilege to travel to China with Judy on one of Ling chi Wang's trips (1982) - they were doing oral histories about those who returned to China after their Gaam San experience. Judy was brillant as a librarian, historian, translator and such a nice person. She is missed.

Raymond Lew

April 18, 2024

It was an honor to know her. Very inspiring person for her lifetime accomplishments.
She graciously spoke as mistress of ceremonies at my & other siblings weddings as well as other important family events.
Much appreciated by all.

Bettie Luke

April 25, 2021

I met Judy, shortly after I met Philip Choy in San Francisco. Philip was a powerhouse, who introduced me to the heady concept that Chinese American history was important, and I became a fast fan. Judy interviewed me for her book "Chinese Women of America: A Pictorial History" and this book was featured as an exhibit at The Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, Washington. Years later, Judy kindly took me on a tour of the Angel Island Station Facility, shortly after it was remodeled and dedicated as a historic site. She shared moving stories of some of the former internee immigrants who attended the ceremony - stories of strength, sorrow and resilience. Her insights and knowledge of Chinese history and community instilled a passionate interest, admiration and inspiration that exists with me today, in my work as a Diversity Trainer and Multicultural educator. Judy's friendship was truly a gift. Her scholarship and dedication has made our lives richer and more meaningful.

Ronald Quock

March 12, 2021

To the family of Judy Yung,

Please accept my deepest condolences on behalf of the Quock Family.

I met Judy while I was conducting undergraduate research in Chinese American history in 2007. She was hosting a book signing at the San Francisco main library. I introduced myself and thanked her for writing about my grandmother, Nellie Tom Quock, in her book Unbound Feet. I informed her that my grandmother had passed away prior to my second birthday, and she promptly sent me a copy of her interview notes with my great aunt Sally Tom regarding my grandmother's story. I appreciated her gesture and I felt a connection to my grandmother that I could not have possibly gotten if it were not for Judy.

Again, my deepest condolences on your loss.

-Ron Quock

JENNIE LEW

February 24, 2021

Judy was amazing from her roots as a Librarian in a Chinatown Branch Library to her landmark research and publications regarding Chinese American History. As a Professor at UC Santa Cruz, she mentored many young folk in her Asian Amercian classes, just as she shared her knowledge and expertise with many documentarians like myself. As the granddaughter of "Living Widows" on both my paternal and maternal sides of my family from Toisan, and the daughter of a "Paper Son" and "War Bride" (my father and mother), I very much appreciate Judy's dedication to telling their stories. It was an honor to know her. I mourn her lost but will always remember her generosity and kindness.

Connie Young Yu

January 18, 2021

Judy possessed such warmth and humanity, shared generously. I am among the many deeply indebted to her for being a pathfinder of Asian America. Her book, Unbound Feet, enlightened and liberated us. Thank you, Judy, your brilliant vision lives on. Lovingly, Connie Young Yu

Ben Lee

January 15, 2021

What a beautiful person Judy was! It was our honor to have known Judy the past 9-10 years as volunteers/docents with the Angel Island Immigration Station. She was intelligent, professional, caring, kind, with a humble dignity in all that she did. While we will miss her, her legacy lives on through those with whom she so generously shared her experiences, knowledge and life. We send our deepest condolences to her family. Ben and Jane Lee

Michael Clemens

January 12, 2021

Dr. Yung helped me study the history of her great grandfather, Chin Hong Dai, one of California's great businessmen of the early 20th century. She was generous, brilliant, and wise. I'm dismayed to learn of her passing and I wish peace to her whole family.

eddie wong

January 11, 2021

judy was a gracious woman dedicated to serving the community with her scholarship and personal involvement. i enjoyed working with her on the launch of her Angel Island book, which broadened public knowledge of the Chinese Exclusion Act but subsequent restrictions on Asian immigration. she gave of her time and knowledge freely. she will be missed greatly. eddie wong, former exec director of AIISF.

John Jung

January 7, 2021

Judy was a dedicated scholar, inspiring mentor, and supportive friend who made major contributions to Chinese American history. A great loss at a still young age.

William Gee Wong

January 7, 2021

Judy and I were professional colleagues. Early in both of our young adult lives, we shared an interest and participation in Chinese American community journalism. I wrote a blog about that period. Judy Yung: A Yellow Feminist Force - East Wind ezine

Loriana Hatch

January 7, 2021

Judy Yung was an incredible lady. Our family met Judy through her interview with Eddie Fung for the Lost Battalion. My grandfather served with Eddie in WWII and they were POWs in the Lost Battalion together. Judy last wrote me in 2018 and sent me a copy of Eddie's book. It was a blessing to go up to SF and see her and for her to meet my daughter meaning she met four generations of our family over her lifetime. Her devotion to history, preserving history, living history, and writing history is truly inspiring and I was so blessed that my eldest was able to meet her and ask her questions about the Lost Battalion and Eddie. May God bless the Yung family in your memories of the infamous Judy Yung. Our Condolences and the Condolences of the descendants of the Texas Lost Battalion Association. Hugs to y'all and God Bless!

Ted Wong (aka Teong Wong)

January 6, 2021

Judy Yung: a stalwart of the Chinese Historical Society of America (with Him Mark and Philip); instrumental in the founding of Chinese America: History and Perspectives; scholar; a fine person.

Greg Soone

January 6, 2021

I have created a memorial blog for Judy and welcome anyone to add their comments there:
judyyung dot wordpress dot com

Laurene Wu McCLAIN

January 6, 2021

I recall taking my Mom to the Chinese Culture Center auditorium to attend Judy’s launch of her book on Chinese American women. The huge room was packed with women of all generations. Judy spoke about the book, and the entire event was groundbreaking.

Jeanie Chooey Low

January 6, 2021

Judy,
Thank you for your scholarship, books and your community service (Angel Island Immigration Station, showcasing Chinese American women, Chinese American History and immigrant rights. I still can't believe our "go to scholar" has passed away. Your legacy will be remembered as one of our treasured Chinese American Historians (Him Mark Lai Philip Choy).
You always set a high standard being bilingual, even at Galileo you were a
good athlete and leader.