Martha Marla Su Chen

Martha Su Chen passed quietly on Tuesday April 3, 2012. Till the end, she was funny, feisty, independent, imaginative and brave. She loved her family and was the selfless mother that always did what she thought was best for her children. She adored her grandchildren. Our mom was always happy and excited around her grandchildren, Hannah and Kiana.

Our mom's life was well storied. In 1971, she bravely came to the U.S. with 3 very young children. She spoke no English and knew only our father. When their marriage ended, rather than retreat to Taiwan, she courageously stayed and raised 3 kids on her own. Our mom shaped us to be good productive citizens (Henry is a doctor; Marica is a lawyer; John is an entrepreneur). She felt most accomplished as a parent and a grandparent. Our mom would say that everything that she went through in her life was worth it when she saw us doing well in our lives.

Many years ago she moved from our home in Alhambra to her dream home in Anaheim Hills. She loved her home and her community. She would tell us that she never wanted to leave. This is in sharp contrast to when we were kids and she would say that in her old age she would keep a room in each of our homes and spend the year traveling between them. After she moved to Anaheim, she would say that she never wanted to live with any of us because she had the best home in the world. She relished her independence. She loved to garden, cook and sew. Whenever we called she was always busy with projects and regaled us with stories of her work.

Our mom's passing was sudden and unexpected. It was as if Death suddenly noticed her and plucked her from our lives. Despite this shock, we believe that she is at peace. Her spirit is free and happy and remains watchful of her brood. We know that she remains alive in our hearts. Her unconditional love is eternal.