Lily Ai-Shiu Hwa Chow

Lily Ai-Shiu Hwa Chow, age 96, passed away in the comfort of her home in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, August 28, 2021. She was born in Shanghai, China on July 1, 1925 into a family of talented artists in the restoration and appraisal of antique paintings and calligraphy. She was the eldest of four siblings born to the late Chiu-Chin Hwa and Xiang-Yun Jiang. After graduating from high school, Lily’s father encouraged her to continue her education. In June 1945, she graduated from Lester Nursing School with an internationally recognized nursing degree.

While working as a nurse at Lester Hospital in Shanghai, China, Lily met Phillip Lai-Pin Chow, who was a member of the former World War II anti-Japanese Flying Tigers team. The two were married on May 5, 1946. In 1949, after the Communist Government took over China, Lily and her family fled from their homeland to avoid persecution. Phillip, Lily and their two daughters escaped on a Junk boat. Eventually, they settled in Taipei, Taiwan, where they lived for the next decade.

In 1962, Phillip moved his family to Bangkok, Thailand to fly for Air America. At this time, Lily’s family life was stable, which gave her time to pursue some of her favorite hobbies, one of which was Peking Opera. Gifted with a beautiful voice, Lily was able to participate in the local Peking Opera Society activities, refining her own operatic skills in singing, acting, movement and choreography. Performing on stage was a dream come true for Lily, as she had spent many of her childhood years watching Chinese Opera with her father.

In 1968, the danger to Phillip flying for Air America in the Vietnam War increased, necessitating his resignation. It was at this time that Lily and her family immigrated to Falls Church, Virginia. Due to her international nursing degree, she was hired as a nurse in the Surgical/Medical Ward at Northern Virginia Community Hospital. In 1970, Lily and Phillip were presented with an opportunity to learn the restaurant business in Washington DC. During Phillip’s management training, Lily’s entrepreneurial spirit and love of jewelry led her to set up a small jewelry counter in the lobby of the restaurant, furthering their endeavor to own and operate their own business.

In 1974, Lily and her family moved to Raleigh, NC to open their own Chinese restaurant. Eventually, they came to own and operate three successful Chinese restaurants in the Raleigh area.

In 1993, Lily and Phillip retirement gave them the opportunity to become more active in their church and the Chinese community of the Raleigh area. In 1997, Lily initiated the establishment of the Triangle Area Peking Opera Association, which actively promoted China's outstanding national culture and art. She participated in a series of international performances, and was deeply admired. Lily was always compassionate, honest, enthusiastic; a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She treated people with kindness and was always generous and willing to help others.

A time of viewing for friends will be held on Friday, September 3rd from 3:30 - 4:30 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Raleigh Chinese Christian Church - 520 Allen Lewis Drive - Cary, North Carolina 27513.

The family asks that all join the funeral service through live stream. A hyperlink to the recorded service can be found below under DONATIONS.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation your many expressions of love, concern, and kindness.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory of Lily or a message of condolence to her family, you may do so below within "add a memory".