Marion K Yu

KUO PING YU
1918 – 2017

Yu Kuo Ping was born in 1918 in Hankow, Hupei, China. She was the only child of Shaozhai Gong (龚少斋) and Xianyan Li (李贤艳). She graduated from Ginling Women’s College (sister to Smith College in the US), graduating with a major in Accounting and followed that with an advanced degree in Education. Upon graduation with honors, Kuo Ping joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working in the European Department. One of the Section Chiefs, Wang Jia Hong, had his eye on a young man in the American Department for whom he felt would be a perfect match for Kuo Ping and he arranged to have her transferred to the American Department. Their chemistry was immediate and in 1946 Kuo Ping and T.C. married in Wuhan, China.
In 1950, Kuo Ping, joined the Consular office in New York and the whole family moved from Toronto to New York where T.C. had been Vice-Consul. In the early 1960s, Kuo Ping joined Citibank in the International Loan Department while still holding her job with the Republic of China Consular office. Her Western friends knew Kuo Ping as Marion. Kuo Ping and T.C. worked hard to make sure that all four children had the benefits of a college education at their college of choice.
Kuo Ping and T.C. loved the company of family and friends. Kuo Ping had close girlfriends from grade school, high school and college and a weekend didn’t go by without the families getting together for Mahjong, dancing and card playing. Kuo Ping, with the help of family friend, Chao-Chao, took great delight entertaining friends ensuring that there was plenty of good food and drink for everyone to have an enjoyable time. More important than keeping people happy, Kuo Ping took on many causes to help family, extended family and friends whether or not she was asked. Many children of family friends have come forward with stories of how Kuo Ping has helped them and their family…staying with us in our basement while they became acclimated to the US. Kuo Ping is especially remembered for her graciousness, energy, goodwill and generosity. Her loyalty was renowned. T.C. and Kuo Ping were very fortunate to have had such beautiful friendships and we are blessed to have wonderful reminiscences. She was the matriarch of the family and extended family and, most recently, she was beloved by Ray’s friends and neighbors in Key Largo, FL.
Kuo Ping was 98 years old when she passed away on February 12, 2017 at Homestead Hospital, Florida. She is survived by her devoted children, Pat and her husband Tom, David and his wife Janet, Ray, Arthur and his wife Sheila, and her loving grandchildren, Jacqueline and her husband Frank, Jonathan, Taylor, Lauren and Mallory. Kuo Ping will be missed every day by her family and friends. T.C. and Kuo Ping have been a role model as the perfect couple. Their life has been a source of inspiration to their family and Kuo Ping’s legacy will live on through the memories of all who knew her.

After the burial at Ferncliff Cemetery the family has invited all family and friends for a Memorial Luncheon at their home to celebrate the life of Marion K. Yu and to thank you for all your support during this difficult time.

Arthur & Sheila YU
24 Kingston Rd
Scarsdale, NY 10583

For those of you who prefer to go directly to Arthur's after the service, you are welcome to do so.