Emelita Yu

Emelita “Emily” Yu (74) passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2021, in the town of River Edge, New Jersey.  

Emily was born to Chua Siao Hong and Milagros Chua on October 4, 1946 in Lipa City, Philippines.  She was the eldest of six children, namely - Danilo, Wilfredo, Olivia, Josephine and Joel, all part of a very close-knit brood of siblings. Emily spent her childhood years in Lipa City. She was extremely close with her father who took her under his wing. Emily attended the University of the East and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  After completing her studies, she joined her father’s logging business, where she met Dominador “Ching” Yu, who would later become her beloved husband.  Emily and Ching were married on December 14, 1970 in Manila.  The couple then settled down in Cebu City, where they started a family and had three children - Dino Eric, Dennis Elmer and Debbie Eileen.  Emily was a doting mother and wife, and an excellent homemaker.  She was also a born entrepreneur, having run a successful distribution and marketing business.  Emily was also active in the community doing various social service and charity work.  In the mid-1980s, Ching and Emily decided to pursue the American Dream for their young family, eventually migrating to Southern California in 1986.  After only two years in the United States, Ching, her husband of 17 years, suddenly passed away.  Emily relocated her children back to the Philippines, while she returned to the USA to continue and pursue the dream for her children.  Emily rejoined the workforce and was employed in the manufacturing and healthcare industries, holding administrative and senior companion-care positions.  She finally retired in the early 2000s, and spent her time in the United States and the Philippines between her children and their families.   

Emily loved to cook, travel and explore.  She loved having company, and having a good laugh over a great meal. Emily will be fondly remembered for her diligence, discipline, wit, strength, generosity and resilience.  To her loved ones, she will simply be remembered as being a selfless wife, a loving mother, a caring sister, a gracious aunt and a true friend.

Emily was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December of 2020.  She fought valiantly, with dignity and grace, with nary a complaint.  Emily left peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, in comfort and without pain.

Emily is survived by her children, sons Dino and Dennis, daughter Debbie, son-in-law Jimmy, and daughter-in-law Joan, along with her three grandchildren -  Joshua, Juliana and Jillian.

The family wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who sent their thoughts, prayers and messages of support. We would also like to thank all the medical staff who gave their expertise, professionalism and care towards Emily.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service that will be held on Wednesday, July 28 from 5 to 8 PM.

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