Rose Cheung, a South Coast Chinese Cultural Association board member and former Irvine Book Club president, recently passed away after an illness.
Rose’s family mourned through hymns and prayer
Family, friends, IBC members, and fellow board members gathered at OC Pacific View Memorial Park to honor her life and legacy through tributes, poetry, images, Scripture, and prayer.
Treasured Images — Radiance Rekindled
Large screens on both sides of the chapel displayed radiant photos of Rose Cheung, while treasured family portraits, favorite jewelry, and her own paintings filled the memorial space.
Each personal item revealed her stylish, elegant spirit and reminded loved ones of a woman who cherished art, embraced learning, and brought energy and laughter wherever she went.
The service was led by her nephew, Raymond Szu, who opened with Scripture and prayer before sharing memories of “Aunt Rose” and her special place in the family.
He also wrote a poem in her honor, drawing on childhood memories, family stories, humor, and faith.
Her love, kindness, grace, and devotion, he said, would remain like a fragrance from heaven in every heart she touched.
Friends Remember — Emotions Flow
Rose’s longtime friends—including Gloria Dahlberg, May KMT Hsu, Terry Lee, and Glenda Cheung—shared heartfelt tributes.
Gloria described Rose as a magnetic force whose warmth and generosity made everyone feel valued and inspired.
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Endlessly curious, Rose explored everything from literature and art to science, technology, and even string theory.
During a photo shoot with the Bravi 9 sisters, she inspected everyone’s outfits and insisted, “We must all look beautiful and be our very best.”
May KMT Hsu, Rose’s friend of nearly 50 years, recalled their early volunteer work promoting Chinese culture, railroad history, and traditional festivals.
She also remembered Rose as a devoted wife and a brave patient, staying closely involved in her care through repeated hospital visits and her final months.
Terry Lee spoke of decades spent promoting multicultural programs, sharing laughter, and playing mahjong together.
She called Rose not only a gifted mahjong player, but also a constant light in her life.
Glenda Cheung opened simply: “Rose was a legend.” She said Rose made people stronger, wiser, and kinder.
Comparing the Irvine Book Club to a garden, she added that although Rose is gone, her fragrance remains in every life she touched.
History Written — Legacy Endures
Speaking for SCCCA, CEO Yulan Chung noted that board members Wendi Chen, Beatrice Tseng, Andrew Mar, and others joined in honoring Rose’s years of cultural and community service.
Rose joined the SCCCA board in 2010, but her connection to the association and Orange County’s Chinese American community began decades earlier.
Since the 1980s, she had devoted herself to volunteer work, the arts, cultural preservation, and multicultural exchange.
As anti-Asian hate surged during the pandemic, Rose told her, “We have to do something.”
Rose believed Chinese Americans had lived, built lives, and contributed to the United States for generations, yet much of their local history remained undocumented.
The community, Rose insisted, could not remain silent—it had to step forward and make its contributions visible.
As chair of SCCCA’s Book Editorial Committee, Rose led an oral-history project that became A CHINESE AMERICANS IN IRVINE 50 YEARS, 1971–2021.
Rose also helped launch a second volume documenting the 50-year history of SCCCA and Irvine Chinese School.Both books were displayed at the memorial for guests to read.
Chung said Rose believed preserving history and passing culture to future generations was not merely important, but a responsibility of today’s Chinese American community.
“When she saw a problem, she did not stop at talking about it—she turned ideas into action,” Chung said.
Through integrity, compassion, and service, Rose left a lasting example. Her greatest legacy was inspiring others to live with purpose, kindness, and a commitment to serve.
Shared Reading — Memories Endure
Rose twice served as president of the Irvine Book Club, leading the organization for a total of four years. Through books, lectures, and cultural programs, she brought members together and formed lasting friendships.
Dozens of members attended the memorial to bid farewell to their former president.
On behalf of the Irvine Book Club, President Lynn Hsu presented Rose’s daughter, Roselyn Cheung Schmeltzer, with a memorial card linking to the digital tribute book《 Forever Rose》
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Created by former presidents and members, the book brings together cherished photos, personal reflections, and shared memories—honoring Rose’s years of leadership, friendship, and devoted service.
After the service, members gathered before a large screen displaying Rose’s smiling portrait. Standing beside her image, they took a group photo across time—a lasting tribute to a friendship born through reading.
Daughter Remembers — Love Endures
Rose’s daughter, Roselyn Cheung Schmeltzer, thanked everyone for joining the family in accompanying her mother on her final journey.
She introduced a side of Rose many outside the family rarely saw: a mother and grandmother who loved fashion, flowers, art, new English words, miniature shoes, jewelry, and an impressive collection of sunglasses.
Roselyn recalled wanting to take peanut-butter sandwiches and bananas to school like other American children. Instead, her mother packed strongly scented Chinese lunches filled with garlic—and taught her children to take pride in their Chinese heritage.
“Speak up. Don’t be afraid,” Rose often told them.
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She wanted her children to express themselves with confidence, remain composed, and grow into Chinese Americans who contributed to society.
Rose could be direct and demanding, with strong opinions about clothing, school, food, and life.
Yet behind every firm word was unconditional love and protection. Roselyn described her mother as her greatest supporter and the family’s strongest guardian.
Through tears, she recalled Rose’s final day. After life-support machines were turned off, her mother held on while Roselyn flew back to Orange County.
God gave them several more hours together—enough time for one final kiss, one final embrace, and one final goodbye before Rose entered eternity.
Final Farewell — Legacy Lives
Before Roselyn spoke, Rose’s favorite English songs played as photographs from her life appeared on screen.
The images showed a fashionable young woman, joyful moments with her husband, children, and grandchildren, travels with friends, cultural events, and decades of community service.
As familiar music blended with cherished photographs, it felt as though everyone were walking once more through her rich and meaningful life. Many were moved to tears.
The family later sang “Amazing Grace” and “It Is Well with My Soul” Through music and prayer, sorrow became blessing, and faith offered hope in eternal life.
After the chapel service, Rose’s casket was carried slowly from the room, surrounded by her family.
In solemn silence, loved ones accompanied her on the final stage of her journey.
As she was laid to rest, white doves were released into the sky. Their wings rose into the wind, carrying the love, prayers, and memories of all who had gathered.
As the doves disappeared into the distance, the memorial came to a close in sorrow, comfort, and hope.
Rose may have left the family, friends, and community she loved, but her presence remains—in books preserving Chinese American history, in cultural programs she helped build, in the memories of Irvine Book Club members, and in the countless lives she inspired.