Elaine Ling Yau 梅琰玲, 74, of Natick, MA, beloved wife of John Ka Shiu Yau, peacefully passed away on February 18 with her family by her side at Memorial Sloan Kettering after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
Elaine was born on August 19, 1946 to the late Ted C. and Fung Kay (Chan) Moy in the Toishan region of Guandong Province, China. To prepare for a brighter future, Elaine emigrated with her family from Hong Kong to the United States on May 29, 1970, making her home initially in Milwaukee, WI and later in New York, NY, where she met John on a blind date in September. They were engaged after a month of courtship and married on November 28, 1970.
Over the next 50 years, Elaine and John built their American dream in Columbus, OH. They were successful restauranteurs through their consistent hard work and perseverance. They were loving and dedicated parents, and ensured that their children had better lives than theirs. Their grandchildren were her greatest joys -- so it was not surprising that Elaine and John retired when their last grandson was born so that they could become devoted and doting grandparents. Elaine will be remembered for her love, generosity and loyalty to all, including those she had not personally met. Elaine's family and friends will miss her more than words can say.
In addition to her husband John, she is survived by their two adult children Garrett and his spouse, John Bourgeois, of Chicago, IL; and Kimberly and her spouse, Robert Eng, also of Natick, MA; and four grandchildren: Mason, Brady, Xavier and Callen. She is also survived by her siblings Sandy Jean, Linda Hung, Pak Moy and Sue Moy, and many nieces and nephews as well as godchildren.
Elaine requested a private service with only immediate family members present. In lieu of flowers, Elaine requested that a donation be made to the General Fund (https://www.friscocbc.org/giving; in the memo field, please note in memory of Mrs. Yau) of Frisco Community Bible Church, TX, where she was a member. She is remembered as a faithful and compassionate sister in Christ.