Jenny C. Wu

Jenny Chen Wu (Chen Xiu Zhen), age 59, of San Diego, suddenly passed away on December 3rd 2013. Cause of death was a stroke on Thanksgiving night due to brain hemorrhage in her brainstem resulting in a massive bleed (of 3 inches in diameter) in her prefrontal lobe where all executive decisions are made. The doctor stated that surgery operation was not possible due to the buildup of pressure in the brain. Her family waited until Tuesday night December 3, 2013 to let her go after doctors declared she was “brain dead.” Even though her heart was still beating, 1.5% of the population dies from this condition. In the end, her family clung desperately onto Jenny’s hand and bedside while she was on life support for those last days at the Grossmont Sharp MICU Hospital. One thing that we must all take away from this tragic loss is that we should be thankful for the time we had with Jenny, and it is most important to not remember how she died, but how she lived.

Jenny was born in Hainan, China on March 26, 1954 to Ya Chi and Shui Qing Chen. She was the middle child of seven children. As a teenager, she was a dance performer. She could have made it big if it weren’t for the judges disqualifying her because her teeth weren’t straight enough. She made sure to pay for her youngest daughter’s braces because of that. Jenny worked as a bank teller for a decade in China so naturally she was good with money. She was also one of the most beautiful girls in town so boys were always chasing after her. She had this way about her. Her laugh and smile was so damn cute. It wasn’t until she was wooed by the most kind-hearted and handsome man John (Wu Feng Ye) that she fell in love and got married. Actually the way we later heard it from John, Jenny wooed him by serenading him with her lovely voice to the song “The Moon Represents My Heart” by Teresa Teng.

Even though she did not make it pass ninth grade due to the deficient school system, she wanted her daughters to get the best education possible in America. After immigrating to United States in 1990, Jenny persevered through years of waiting tables to eventually managing her own restaurant, Yuki Sushi, for almost ten years. The loyal customers from her restaurant adored my mother's hilarious and charming personality. Don’t let her broken English and clueless face expressions fool you. She’s got street smarts and is a hard ass business woman. Ninety-nine percent of the time she could guess how well a customer was going to tip. She could cook and serve a full house all by herself. The customers always came in asking for Jenny because she memorized all their food and drink orders. She could win you over in an instant. People always referenced my mother in comparison to a successful car saleswoman. She could sell you anything! She could convince anyone to order twice the amount of the food they actually needed for a very good price. She would always say “I make good for you.” She could roll into any bank, AT&T or grocery store in Rancho San Diego and they would know her by sight and name. She is unforgettable, especially by her daughters. These were the same questions Jenny would always ask her daughters when they phoned home: (1) Are you eating well? (2) Do you know it’s really cold out? Wear more clothes! (3) Did you blow dry your hair after showering?, and lastly, when are you coming home…

Her daughters made it home for Thanksgiving just in time to see their mother one last time before she passed. She will be remembered by all those who mouths she fed and hearts she warmed. No one could ever replace Jenny Wu. She was fierce, clever, and most amazingly strong-willed. Jenny had multiple hats. She was a restaurant owner, sushi chef, real estate tycoon, but most importantly, a caring wife, sister and mother. Kin meant everything to her. Family always came first no matter what the cost. She ran a Japanese restaurant even though she was Chinese. She could never waste a bite of food and pinched every penny she earned. Her one guilty pleasure after a long hard day’s work was to plop down on the couch and watch Chinese dramas. This became quite addictive after she installed dish network at the restaurant. She would typically space out watching TV while ringing up an order or even when talking to a customer. Jenny loved singing, dancing, the color purple, watching soap operas, and eating delicious foods. Most prominently, she expressed her love by constantly feeding (and nagging) those she cared most about. Extremely committed to her work, she only closed the restaurant one day out of the nine years of operation. She did not understand the concept of relaxing, but she had dreamed of traveling the world with her family after retiring. Finally, Jenny retired in October 2013 and was only beginning to plan a family trip to China while her daughters were on winter break.

Jenny is survived by her daughters, Lina, Lisa, and loving husband, John. Also in the future, she will survive through her grandchildren; especially since Lina has promised that if she had a daughter, she would name her after Jenny. People absolutely adored her, especially her husband, John Wu. Throughout 30 years of their marriage, they really took care of each other. Though her only two daughters didn't always see eye to eye, they along with her father, loved her the most. Her daughters will always live with the regret of not spending enough time with their beloved mother. Jenny worked only as hard as she did so she could provide for her family. She will be dearly missed by all her family, friends, and Yuki Sushi customers. Funeral arrangements will be held December 11, 2013 at Greenwood Cemetery in San Diego, California.

Note from eldest daughter, Lina:

Thank you mom for dedicating your life to support us and take care of your family. You lived the best you knew how and you will be remembered well. We will love you always and forever, your daughters, husband, and siblings. Well done mom. You've made such a wonderful impact in all of our lives. May you be at peace, you've definitely earned it. Thank you for giving your everything for us.