Susan Yep Chan

Susan passed away on July 19, 2018 at the age of 86. She was born on February 13, 1932 in Canton, China and had been a longtime resident of Los Angeles, California.

Daughter of the late Suey Ming and Kim Ling Ly, she is survived by her five children: Janet Chan, Nancy Deemer (Les), Gary Chan (Stephanie), Alan Chan, Cathy Chan; along with her five grandchildren: Ashley Deemer, Kevin Deemer (Elaine), Garrison Chan, Cameryn Chan, Brandon Chan; her four brothers: Jay Ly, Jim Ly, John Ly (Jan), Jeff Ly (Karen); and several nephews, nieces, aunts and cousins.

November 1950, she married the late Neil Lee Chan in Hong Kong, China. Shortly afterwards they set sail to United States and settled in Los Angeles, California. She became a naturalized citizen in January 1961.

Susan loved playing Ping-Pong and was very good at it. Later, she found watching Roller Games and wrestling was the best thing on earth. Her favorite roller team was, “Whoaaaa Nelly,” the L.A. Thunderbirds. Favorite wrestler? “Classy” Freddie Blassie! She really believed that every hit; every punch, every drop of blood was real. During lunch, she was glued to the TV watching Chinese soap operas.

Using her skills from crocheting and knitting, she became a seamstress for the fashion industry. Somehow she found out that she could triple her paycheck in Las Vegas, NV. First, she started playing the $1 slot machines; she loved it when the lights and bells went off. Then she discovered the Blackjack table. Those poor dealers had to be on their toes when they dealt “bad” cards to her.

When she was not busy shouting at the TV or giving disapproving looks to the blackjack dealers, she found solace in tending to her garden. She grew various types of Chinese vegetables, which usually found their way to the dinner table. Her fondness was growing winter melons. Generous in nature, she gave her cherished melons to numerous family members and friends. Her persimmons were also a big hit.

Susan knew her way around the kitchen. Her specialties were making joong, aka, the Chinese tamale, BBQ ribs, winter melon soup, char sui, herbal concoctions, some of them actually tasted like dirt, and many other delicacies. Cooking for others was a labor of love for her. She would always ask, “Have you eaten yet?” then proceeded bring you food, no matter what your response was.

But, her greatest joy was becoming Po-Po and Moc-Moc to her grandchildren. She absolutely treasured her time with them. Loving and nurturing them; teaching them how to speak Chinese and, especially how to use the chopsticks. Yeah, sometimes they got scolded too.

Her loving family and all that knew her will miss Susan, our Mom. May you rest in peace.

The Chan family