Margaret Yen

Margaret Yen, 90, born on March 13, 1934, in China, passed away peacefully, August 11, 2024 in her home in California. Margaret immigrated to the U.S. in pursuit of a better education. Although she earned a master's in child development, she took a few computer science classes, which launched her career as a systems programmer. 

While she took pride in her professional accomplishments, she lived to sing and dance. At Tunghai University, she was a member of the Beijing Opera Club and had a principal role in the famous Chinese opera, "Silang Tanmu." Margaret rediscovered these passions after she retired, becoming a beloved karaoke queen. No stage was too small and no audience was too intimidating to keep her from taking the stage. 

Margaret delighted audiences around the world - from her living room to bars, to bowling alleys, even cruise ships. She performed an array of songs, including English and Chinese pop, Broadway hits, and occasional Chinese opera classics, always accompanied by a dance move or two. The trophies that she won in a few "competitions" occupied a prominent place in her home. An enthusiastic sewer, she even made her own party dresses. 

Margaret's other passion was traveling. After retiring, she took to the land, air and sea. She could list every place she had visited and the number of times she had gone. She raved about the beef in Argentina, the shopping in Italy and the beauty of Scandinavia. She stepped foot in six continents and dreamed of seeing Antarctica. 

While she had her passions, Margaret loved her son, Kevin, and was never shy about expressing her pride in him to pretty much anyone (much to his dismay). She also loved her friends. They were her travel and singing "buddies" as well as a source of strength during difficult times. She felt the same way about her neighbors and her neighborhood. For almost 40 years, she lived in the same house in Redondo Beach. Her neighbors made a house feel like a home with their warmth and care. She loved watching their children grow up and enjoyed the occasional babysitting gigs. Margaret wanted to stay in her home in her adopted hometown and country until the end, a wish she fulfilled. She leaves behind a son and daughter-in-law, a brother and sister, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors, who will remember her for her kindness, optimism and joy.