Ann Lu's Obituary
Ann Lu (汪雪英), was born on September 10, 1959, in Saigon, Vietnam. She was 64 years old when she passed peacefully on New Year’s Day morning, January 1, 2024, in the comfort of her home with both of her daughters and husband by her side in San Jose, CA. Ann is survived by her husband, Ken Ho; two daughters, Queeny Lu and Silvia Lu; three siblings, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She made an assertive effort to spend her last winter holidays with her family, before she gracefully left us.
In 1980, 20-year-old Ann escaped Vietnam by boat with her 9-year-old nephew in tow. She went out at sea for 5 days before she reached the refugee camp, Palau Babi Tengah, Malaysia, where she spent the next 5 months “having the time of her life” watching movies, eating, hanging out with friends, and learning how to knit. She was then sponsored to San Jose, California by her older brother, where she then settled and grew her life.
She was the youngest of 5 brothers and sisters. Her parents, all her siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins were able to escape Vietnam and settle in San Jose. Growing up, her family was very close and would gather at Popo’s (grandma’s) house to celebrate Chinese holidays and gradually, celebrate American holidays as her family slowly adopted a culture in a new country.
She met her husband, Ken Ho, in 1982 in downtown San Jose through mutual friends. They built a business together and sold art at flea markets for 6 years before getting married, settled into full-time jobs, and started a family. She worked two jobs for many years and worked hard for her family, when times were tough. You would never know her hardships because she lived her life by giving generously in ways that will forever leave a mark on our hearts. She was the most incredible, supportive mom we could ask for.
Anyone who has had the honor of meeting Ann has been touched by her kindness, openness, and generosity. Our Bay Area family is composed of over 70 people, and she was known as the “fun auntie”. She would take all the little kids to Raging Waters, Great America, playgrounds, and the movies. Those childhood memories that will be cherished forever. She was a mother figure to many in our community, always willing to lend her time or a helping hand even if it meant sacrificing her comfort or pleasure. Along with prioritizing family in her life, she also created amazing friendships at work in her profession as a Technician at Anritsu for 35 years. She loved life and her hobbies like travelling, ballroom dancing, gardening, flower arranging, and playing mahjong with her siblings. She loved beauty, knew how to find it and how to create it.
In all the universe, across all galaxies, and through billions of different timelines, we were fortunate to cross paths and share this lifetime with her and even luckier that she was OUR Mom, who loved us endlessly. Our entire family will forever be missing her. We imagine she is now prancing in the countryside in the mountains of China, cooking her favorite meals, and enjoying her life surrounded by everything she loves.
The family will hold a private viewing and praying service at Skylawn Memorial Park on Sunday, January 7th, 2024 from 9:30am – 2:00pm. She will be placed to rest at Eternal Gardens overlooking Half Moon Bay.
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