Helen Quan Woo

Cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Helen Quan Woo, passed away peacefully in her home on September 5, 2024, due to natural causes. Helen was born in Hoi Ping, Canton, China on April 11, 1925, and married Joe Gong Woo at an American consulate in China in April 1947. Shortly after the wedding, Helen immigrated to the United States to join her new husband, and their eldest son Joe Jr. was born in May 1948, followed soon after by daughter Helene in April 1949 and son James in September 1950. In August 1949, Joe Woo's Chinese Kitchen opened in North Hollywood, CA as one of the first Chinese take-out restaurants in Los Angeles. Both at work and at home, feeding people was Helen's passion, and she was lovingly known as "Mama Woo" to restaurant employees, patrons, and close friends. Helen retired from the restaurant in 1990, after 41 years of serving the community. 

Helen was revered as the matriarch of the family, having contributed to helping her siblings and their families immigrate to the United States for more opportunity and to keep the family together. In 1985, her beloved niece, Henny Wu, came to Los Angeles to reside with her. The two enjoyed shopping, eating, and traveling together. More than a niece, Henny was a dear companion and caretaker, watching over Helen and by her side each day until her passing. Family was everything to Helen and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandkids, great grandkids, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Woo, brother, Park Mow Quan, and sister, Han Ling Gin. She is survived by her children, Joe G. Woo, Jr., Helene Raymond and husband Brian Raymond, and James Woo, her four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her two loving sisters and brother-in-law, Hazel Woo, Han Lim, John Gin, and their families. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity close to your heart. 

Helen will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn in Hollywood Hills on September 28, 2024, and we invite you to join her Celebration of Life at the Old North Church at 12:00pm. Observing Chinese tradition, all are welcome to come share a meal immediately following the service. Helen loved a good buffet, so we will be honoring that indulgence by dining at Vegas Seafood Buffet in Glendale at 2:15pm, or as schedule allows.