Sui Ying Chan Lew

Sui Ying Chan Lew, 98, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at 9:35 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chan Yat’tung and Lui Cheehong; husband, Jimmy Shear Sin Lew; older brother, Chan Lungho; younger sister, Chan Wanchang; son-in-law, Dwight Inouye; and great-grandson, Isaiah Schumann. She is survived by her children, Jeannie Lew Inouye, Larry Lew (Susanna), LuAnn Lew Wood (Randy), and Gary Lew (Lily), 20 grandchildren, and 50 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by six siblings: Chan Lungguang, Chan Lungyuan, Chan Lungbiao, Chan Lungju, Chan Renhuan, and Chan Wan’e.

Born on November 20, 1926, in Toisan, Guangdong, Sui Ying—affectionately known as “Ah Ying” to her siblings and “Ying” to her friends—spent her childhood between Chan Village and the city of Toisan. She embraced learning early, distinguishing herself in school through her studies, music, athletics, and friendships. Her childhood was filled with family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and simple joys such as playing with cousins and helping with daily tasks.

Ying’s schooling was interrupted by war, but after the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War, she resumed her education with determination, skipping a grade and testing into the top girls’ normal school in Toisan County. As civil conflict grew in China, her family encouraged her marriage to Jimmy Shear Sin Lew, an American citizen who had returned to China to find a wife. Ying and Jimmy married in 1949 and shortly thereafter traveled to Hong Kong, Hawaii, San Francisco, and ultimately Pocatello, Idaho, before settling in Provo, Utah.

In the United States, Ying learned a new language and culture while embracing her roles as wife and mother. She and Jimmy worked together to establish their family’s life in Utah, where she welcomed the births of their four children between 1950 and 1960. During these years, she became a U.S. citizen and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a faith that would become a cornerstone of her life.

Following Jimmy’s passing in 1966, Ying devoted herself to raising and supporting her children. She worked long hours in restaurants and cafeterias, carefully managing her household and ensuring her children had opportunities for education and growth. She supported her children through college and missionary service. In 1967, she and her children were sealed to Jimmy in the Salt Lake Temple.

In 1981, after more than three decades away, Ying returned to her childhood home in Toisan. Though much had changed, she reconnected with her family and friends and preserved memories of her early life. Ying was able to sponsor her brothers’ immigration to the United States.

Ying cherished being part of the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She faithfully sent each one birthday cards and gifts, marking every milestone with her characteristic thoughtfulness. For their weddings, she created and presented handmade quilts—labors of love that became treasured keepsakes. She was a devoted supporter, attending music and dance recitals, soccer games, track meets, and countless other events, always proud to cheer them on. She also expressed her love through the foods she shared: steamed baos, chocolate chip, coconut, and oatmeal cookies, Chinese crinkles, butterfingers, and her beloved cream cheese wontons.

Ying lived a life defined by courage, strength, devotion, and enduring faith. She was, and will remain, the matriarch of a large and loving family, and she will be deeply missed.

Funeral services for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Orchard 2nd Ward Meeting House, 670 East 800 North in Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 9:00–10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

You may view the Livestream service HERE