Leeshan Birney

HOUSTON, TX -- Mrs. Leeshan Birney, a native of Taiwan, who immigrated to the United States in 1963, encouraged and mentored countless people of all walks of life to strive for personal worth and success.

She died peacefully, surrounded by her family, from complications of liver cancer.

One of her greatest gifts was making each person, whether it was personal or business, such as a community member, employee, vendor or resident, feel special and important. Constantly striving for personal excellence through hard work and inspiring the same from everyone she met, she provided guidance and wisdom, speaking directly and honestly to everyone.

The road to her life began as a curious Taiwanese girl who did not accept the cultural norms at the time and chose to study in New York City instead. There she earned a Master’s Degree in Nutrition from Columbia University in 1965 and a second Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from New York University (NYU) in 1971.

Mrs. Birney founded Stone Mountain Properties and SunBlossom International Villages, which grew into a real estate empire of 2500 apartment units in over 20 buildings, more than 10 office buildings totaling over 1 million square feet, and a half dozen parcels of developable land totaling over 100 acres in Texas and New Jersey. She prided herself on building the business while raising three children in a multicultural environment, founding the business after 10 years as a housewife and when her youngest was just 4.

She commanded intense respect, love and loyalty from so many people who formed the backbone of her real estate enterprise. It was through their combined efforts that she was able to make such an economic and personal contribution. Touching countless lives, she built an organization which provides homes for thousands of families and hundreds of employees.

As an immigrant, she felt it was her duty to give back to people, communities and future generations. A hallmark of her properties is to prominently display international flags to welcome all residents and make immigrants feel at home. Giving jobs to residents in their community, providing discounted housing for refugee groups, supporting education for her employees and their children, and creating scholarships for striving students, she fostered an international, multi-lingual team and gained their steadfast loyalty and respect. This leads to the economic success of her family business and creates the foundation for future business continuity.

Along the way, she garnered many accolades from government, business and civic organizations locally and globally. Some of her favorite charities, which are often focused on giving back to local communities and promising entrepreneurs.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Mayling Birney. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, James Birney, son Ceyan Birney and Cynthia (daughter-in-law), daughter Shanlenn Birney Colby and Justin (son-in-law), grandson Alden Colby and granddaughters, Adelia Colby, Alexandra Colby and Celine Birney.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to or participating in one of these organizations that Leeshan supported:

1. The Alliance, which creates opportunities for refugees, immigrants, and underserved residents to achieve their goals for self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. https://alliance.kindful.com/

2. International Leadership Foundation, for the next generation of Asian Pacific American Leaders. http://www.ilfnational.org/sponsorship/.

3. Tzu-Chi, an international humanitarian organization whose mission is to relieve the suffering of those in need, and create a better world for all. https://tzuchi.us/donate/.

4. Chinese Community Center is a comprehensive social service community center in Southwest Houston, Texas, that provides support programs to a diverse population. http://ccchouston.org/donate/.

5. Asia Society Houston, promotes mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and the west. http://asiasociety.org/texas/support/donate

6. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, an organization that is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance. https://www.mfah.org/give/give-mfah/

7. HOPE Clinic, a volunteer-run, non-profit clinic, provides health care services to all regardless of patients’ ability to pay. A unique characteristic of HOPE Clinic is its capacity to provide services in 14 different languages, including: Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Korean, Burmese, Arabic, and Spanish. http://www.hopechc.org/about-us/.

8. American Liver Foundation, whose mission is to facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease. October is Liver Cancer Awareness. https://alfevents.org/make-a-donation/