Dear Auntie Grace and the Lo family,
My heart broke to learn of Uncle Leo’s passing. Your family is on my mind and in my heart during this difficult time. I am so, so sorry.
I remember visiting your home as a child, when you hosted delicious dinners and we celebrated Thanksgivings together as part of the small, tight-knit Chinese-American community in St. Louis. Uncle Leo did so much generous work to build that community and give us a sense of connection to the Chinese culture. I was part of the first cohort to attend St. Louis Chinese Language School. I remember him organizing events and making announcements on the microphone as principal!
Today, as a mom to three Chinese-American girls in Los Angeles, I am still committed to language and culture programs for my own children. They are attending Saturday morning Chinese language school each week. Even in the midst of Coronavirus, they are still learning Mandarin, over Zoom. Uncle Leo’s commitment to the next generations live on.
Your family has always been so kind to not just my mom and dad, but also my husband Matty and me. When we were all living in Austin, I was always so happy to come and see you at your Austin, home, too. I feel like I have known you all my entire life — you have known me since I was younger than my own kids are, today.
My whole family extends our deepest condolences. We love Uncle Leo and will miss him so much!
With love,
Elise
