Lucinda Yuen Wesley

1935 - 2018

Lucinda Yuen Wesley

December 24, 1935 - April 26, 2018

Lucinda Yuen Wesley, our Bright Light, died peacefully at home surrounded by her children following a recent diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Known as Mommy, Ma Wesley, Pau Pau, Cindy, and Lo, she was a constant source of fiery energy willing to take on any challenge and turn it into an opportunity to create something good. Every morning she was excited to be alive and ready to spread her loving light wherever she went. People adored and treasured her, young and old. She taught by word and by example to be a Good Samaritan. She was a born leader and teacher, a hard worker, humble and kind with a generous heart.
Lucinda was born in Chicago to Norman C.F. Yuen and Rose Lam, immigrants from southwest China and Hawaii. The family moved to San Francisco in 1937. The eldest of six, she was raised in Chinatown. The family then moved to a home in the Bayview. All through her teens, Lucinda worked at the Page & Lyon Grocery, the family business. She graduated from Balboa High in 1953 and then took courses at City College of San Francisco where she majored in business. She also was a meticulous seamstress winning first place in her high school contest for best dress. Her entire life she sewed, knitted and crocheted for family and friends.
In 1958, she married James Wesley, an African American Navy veteran, and raised a multi-cultural family. Committed to providing a stable home, she saved for a year, and in 1961 purchased a new home in Daly City, the same home where she spent her final days. She taught her five children about different cultures through her love of cooking and would say that mixing spices and people was the key to making delicious food and good friends.
After working 25 years at Crocker Bank, her second career began at the Daly City Lincoln Park Community Center. She became Director of the Senior Citizens Club where she organized ballroom dancing parties, field trips to the movies, monthly birthday celebrations, holiday festivities, neighborhood clean-ups, tai chi classes, ESL classes and much more. She enjoyed travelling throughout her life and into retirement.
Lucinda is survived by her children: Haruwn(Margaret), Uganda(Everett), Anthony, Luanda and Melinda(Chris); 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; sisters Virginia(Franklin, pre-deceased) and Elaine(Homer) and brothers Douglas(pre-deceased), Arnold and Michael. Heartfelt gratitude to all those who cared for Ma and sat with her during her final weeks. Many thanks to all her dear friends from Lincoln Park Community Center and to the kind staff at Hospice By the Bay.
Lucinda will be forever missed and always cherished. We now honor her legacy to "Let Your Light Shine". Memorial services will be held in June.