In Loving Memory of Kay Han Sum
July 30, 1928 - February 6, 2025
Kay Han Sum was born on July 30, 1928, in Toison, Guangdong Province, China. She was a beacon of love, kindness, strength, and a sense of stubbornness to all who knew her. As the second daughter of seven children, she was revered and loved by her family, and many nieces and nephews affectionately referred to her as "second aunt" (二大姨).
In 1947, Robert Lee Sum, having served in the US Army during WWII, returned to China to marry Kay in an arranged marriage. Their first son, Ken Lee, was born in 1949. During this period, China experienced significant changes with the rise of communism under Mao Zedong, who declared the People's Republic of China in 1949. As communist power consolidated, many Chinese, including Kay, fled to Macau to escape the political upheaval.
In 1956, Kay, a member of the Christian Spiritual House (靈修院), obtained approval from the Chinese Communist Party to move to Macau with her son Ken. This move was driven by the significant difficulties her other family members faced, and Kay's deep contempt for the Chinese Communist Party. In Macau, Kay worked tirelessly, taking on piece work to sew clothes to support herself and her family. Kay and Ken moved to Hong Kong as Robert's letters and money from the US were intercepted by China.
Immigration reform proposed in 1963 increased their chances of immigrating to the US. In 1964, Kay and Ken embarked on a month-long voyage to the US, arriving in San Francisco, where they were welcomed by Robert.
Prior to Kay's arrival, Robert had purchased their family home in Capitola, CA, where they settled. The following year, in 1965, their second son, Kelvin, was born, and in 1967, their third and youngest son, Karl, was born.

Both Robert and Kay worked hard to build the American dream. Kay immediately found work at a local cannery, took classes to learn English, and learned to drive. She was determined to gain her citizenship as quickly as possible so she could sponsor her family. Kay and Robert sponsored many family members to the "Land of Opportunities." Kay loved spending time with her large extended family, working in her garden, spreading the word on eating healthy, and drinking water. She was a practitioner of daily exercise, watching the stock market, and learning English.
On February 6, 2025, at the age of 96, Kay passed away from natural causes at Cypress Court Assisted Living Facility in Escondido, CA. She is survived by her three sons, Ken, Kelvin, and Karl; daughters-in-law, Menie and Agnes; grandchildren, Kathy, Brian, Ethan, Annika, and Katrina; and great granddaughters, Tori and Charli.
Kay will be laid to rest and join Robert at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery (marker 20 1805).
Mother, rest in peace. You will always be in our hearts. Until we meet again.

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