Shirlena Siu Wan Chan was born at Tsan Yuk Hospital in Hong Kong on September 17, 1953 to Fung Kuen and Doon Wey Chan. She was the 3rd eldest out of five children. Growing up in Hong Kong, she enjoyed the company of her classmates from Pui Ching Middle School, which she continued to be a part of for over 50 years into adulthood. She was extremely active in the Christian Student Fellowship while at Pui Ching during 1967 to 1972. She was involved in leading the morning prayer broadcast as well as took part in their choir, drama, and volunteer services. She was also very enthusiastic in spreading the words of the bible to her siblings and friends. She graduated in 1972 and shortly thereafter immigrated to San Francisco, California. She is remembered by all of her classmates as a warm, kind, loving and personable person who was ready to offer help to others. Like her Chinese name 笑 雲( 笑means smile), she always wore a smile on her face.
Shirlena became a true San Franciscan and was involved in many local community groups. With her passion for helping others, she studied nursing for a brief period of time. She then worked with the senior community as a compassionate geriatric aide at the On Lok Chinatown Branch starting in 1980 until her early retirement due to her need to start dialysis. After several hard years of dialysis she became the first participant at On Lok/Institute of Aging to receive a transplant in December of 2017. Pre- and post-kidney transplant, Shirlena was an active member and advocate in her community. She was also an eager learner and participated in many of the nutritional, art, safety and technology courses offered by non-profits in the city - often sharing her knowledge and resources with her neighbors, friends and family. She was also a talented artist and enjoyed the art programs at her senior center. Photography was also one of her passions. She would always photograph and print out extra copies of events or everyday moments for others to have. Shirlena also loved to swim in On Lok’s therapeutic pool program and could be seen around her community in fashionable outfits. While living at the Coronet, she became friends with many of the other wonderful residents who always helped each other out. She enjoyed delivering newspapers, packages and goodies to fellow residents. One time a newspaper was missing, she went out and bought one to deliver to her fellow neighbor. She enjoyed many of the social activities and services that the Coronet and On Lok center offered. Lastly, she loved going to all the free museum days and new city parks that were opening in San Francisco with her caregiver and friends.
A large part of Shirlena’s life revolved around her faith. She was a long time member of the Chinese Independent Baptist Church of San Francisco (CIBC). Prior to that, she was baptized on April 6, 1969 as a joining member of the Alliance Mandarin Church while living in Hong Kong. At CIBC, she attended prayer meetings every Sunday morning followed by Sunday School Class and worship service. She also enjoyed the fellowship group meetings once a month. During the pandemic she continued to be a part of the senior fellowship group through their phone conferences. She loved singing and enjoyed going to music events hosted by various churches. Shirlena or “Auntie Sue” to many always encouraged her nephews and niece to learn and enjoy music as well.
Shirlena is survived by her mother, brothers and sister, nephews and niece, and grand nephew. The family would like to thank the Zhou Family, the Pui Ching Classmates of 1972, her transplant donor, the residents and team at the Coronet, the care team at On Lok/IOA and UCSF, the Alegre Home Care team, friends from church, local senior centers and all her friends who have made her smile throughout her lifetime. Despite all the difficult obstacles throughout her lifetime, Shirlena handled them with a sense of hope powered by her faith. “Smile the clouds away!” was a phrase she wrote once and her smile was definitely a big part of her warmth and love for others. She will be missed by all who knew her, but she is now in the embrace of the Lord and enjoys an eternal life totally free of suffering. In leiu of flowers, please consider donating to any of these groups that have helped and given Shirlena joy throughout the years: On Lok, Self-Help for the Elderly, CIBC, AAPI Legal Outreach and/or SF Community Living Campaign.
A memorial service in loving memory of Shirlena Siu Wan Chan will be held at the San Francisco Columbarium, 1 Loraine Court, San Francisco, CA 94118, on Friday, December 9th, 2022, at 11 AM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sanfranciscocolumbarium.com for the Chan family.
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