Kuie-Shang Meng

In loving memory of Kuie-Shang Meng, a remarkable stalwart of spirit and an indomitable entrepreneur, whose journey began on June 18, 1925, in the quaint and picturesque Flower Lane Village, Lanxi, Jiejiang Province, China. Her life was woven with threads of tenacity and love, culminating in her passing on January 26, 2026, in Upland, California.

Kuie-Shang Meng, the first girl in her village to marry for love, was united in matrimony on October 10, 1941, to Kwang-Fa Meng, a handsome soldier with whom she shared a profound bond beyond the confines of an arranged marriage. Together, they navigated the complex historical tapestry of their time, with Kuie-Shang embodying a woman of incredible intelligence, remarkable strength, and kind-heartedness. Her dedication to her family was steadfast, providing a vivid testament to her enduring spirit.

Born into a world beset with challenges, Kuie-Shang faced extreme circumstances including the Seno-Japanese Wars and political turmoil, which forced her to relocate and forge a new beginning in a land unfamiliar and fraught with uncertainty. She epitomized resilience—sacrificing her own comforts and dreams for the well-being of her family. With unwavering resolve, she learned new skills; from raising hogs to managing a chicken farm and managing two bottled gas stores.  She reinvented herself time and again. Despite trials that would have daunted many, her entrepreneurial spirit thrived as she opened and managed two laundromats and sewing for shops at night in California, proving herself a figure of immense determination.

Even as adverse circumstances saw her battle against paralysis, her essence never waned; she remained a loving mother, grandmother, and pillar of strength for her family. Kuie-Shang leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations. Her loving children, Whailan, Sen-Yan, Hwei-Chu, Alice Hwei-Yuan, and Sen-Ho, carry forth her indelible influence, along with her cherished grandchildren, Mengcheng, Mengyee, Nicole, Justin, Karen, and great-grandchildren, Kassi, Zarek, and Henry. Each has been shaped by her gentle guidance and the lessons drawn from her remarkable life.

As we gather to celebrate her life, we remember not only the incredible woman she was, but the courage with which she embraced life’s trials and tribulations. Friends and family will convene for a Funeral Service on February 5, 2026, at the Forest Lawn - Covina Hills - Memory Chapel in Covina, California.

Mrs. Meng's health began to decline shortly after her Centurion Celebration in July 2025, but her legacy will remain vibrant in the hearts of those who were touched by her kindness, her fierce intellect, and her extraordinary will to thrive amidst adversity. Kuie-Shang Meng was indeed a woman of the ages—her story is one of inspiration, a journey marked by love, sacrifice, resilience, and profound achievements that beckon us to honor her memory forever.