Selly Oei Liem

Selly was born in Brebes, Indonesia on October 10, 1936. She was an only child who enjoyed a varied and colorful life, ranging from a fun-loving childhood modeling the latest Vespa Scooter for her father’s business, to an interest in science and helping others which ultimately led her to a Pharmacy Degree from the Institute of Technology in Bandung, Indonesia.

There she met her husband and life partner, Yoe Tjiang Liem. They were blessed with 3 daughters, Yoke, Wieke, and Jeannie. Adventure and opportunity drew the family, by way of Germany, to settle in Portland Oregon, under the sponsorship of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bone. Folklore has it that they were the first Indonesian family in Portland! She was truly a transplanted Indonesian Orchid, who blossomed well in the Pacific Northwest. The family welcomed many friends and extended family into their home over the years, and gradually they became very close to a warm Chinese-Indonesian community along the entire west coast and around the country.

From the start, Selly had to take the bull by the horns, learning English, and learning to cook, clean, and raise a family with limited support. She began a long career in Medical Technology at Kaiser-Permanente. There she became an integral part of Laboratory Services for Kaiser Hospital in Portland. After retirement, Selly kept busy, opening a hair salon, and then a travel agency. She was very successful organizing and scheduling business and personal trips and cruises, becoming a Top Agent for Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruise lines. She was a “people person” and her careers and activities always revolved around helping and interacting with others. She enjoyed spending time with people from all walks of life. She loved Family, Friends, Music, Frogs, Travel, Cooking, and Entertaining. She and Yoe travelled much, in fact they visited every continent except Africa and Antarctica.

The last phase of life saw Selly enjoying full retirement and focusing mainly on her daughters, grandchildren, other family, and friends. She became more active with her Church and Faith, and made new friendships with activities such as Silver Sneakers and her Fellowship groups. She had several health challenges later in life including heart disease, cancer, and joint issues though she handily weathered these. Unfortunately, a brain bleed left Selly more debilitated. Despite this, her strong spirit and the tender care rendered by a wonderful family of caregivers allowed her another 19 months of life with family and friends. Until the end, it was never possible to interact with or even imagine Selly without a smile on her face. She continued to share her wonder and humor freely with anyone available.

Selly passed away very peacefully on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the great age of 86, surrounded by her devoted husband of 61 years and her loving daughters.

She is preceded in passing by her daughter, Yoke, whom she looks forward to seeing again.

She is survived by many cousins and nieces and nephews, her grandchildren (Morgan Reed Liem Lebby, Mason Benjamin Liem Lebby, Lian Elizabeth Vanderzanden and Elise Giok Vanderzanden) and her sons-in-law (Robert Lebby and Mike Vanderzanden).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation on her behalf to The Grotto in Portland, Oregon.

A memorial service for Selly will be held Sunday, March 5, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR 97225, followed by a reception at 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Liem family.