Koh Ann Chu

One last hug !

So many found memories of our two families together over the last 20 years. We will miss you always.

I first met Koh-Ann when her eldest Siu Yin and my youngest Ryan Ripley started at Lingnan Kindergarten together. Koh-Ann was always full of life and positivity and we became fast friends. In her special Koh-Ann way, she opened up her heart and her home to my family and I.

Koh-Ann organised many play dates, family gatherings, mummy lunches and dinners and we have particularly fond memories of staying on her family farm in Panyu and visiting Chimelong together. She was always a generous and gracious host and we would always have so much fun together.

Koh-Ann’s vivacious personality, love of life and beautiful smile will be very much missed. My heart goes out to her two beloved boys and all those she meant so much to.

I saw this tribute a few weeks ago and was so sad.
I'm writing today because it's Kohann's Birthday.
I went to HKIS with Kohann for Junior High and 9th grade. Kohann was sweet, nice, kind, always had a smile on her face and had a helping hand for all those in need. She was smart as well, but we already knew that since she went to MIT.
I remembered sharing a locker with her in high school and that was frustrating because she rarely took her books home and NEVER had to study, but aced every exam.
Our paths crossed again when I returned to HK in 1992. She showed me around and we partied at Marina Club, LKF, met at TST Clock Tower n Landmark...the "in places" way back then:)
She always loved her boys (and cats) dearly and was a great mom. Words can't begin to express the great person she was and she will be deeply missed. The Black Rain today is like our tears for her, but being Kohann, I know she would want us to be happy.
Kohann, Happy Birthday until we meet again!
A million kisses and hugs.

Diana

I was so deeply saddened to learn about Koh Ann’s passing.

Even though I’ve not seen her in decades and we weren’t close during my last 2 years of high school at HKIS, she is prominent in my memory of those times . Her infectious laughter & the joy she exuded always made me feel welcomed and part of a special community. I remember how smart and accomplished she was and that she was so adored by everyone! Being a new kid in 11th grade, I took so much comfort in knowing when Koh Ann was around, then everything felt wonderful and cheerful and exciting. We all wanted to be around her! I cherish those memories.

My heart breaks for her sons and family. She is gone way too soon.

Dear Koh Ann,

You'll be in Our Hearts Forever!

Regards
T.H.

Our sincere condolences to Koh Ann’s family. Koh Ann was someone who was not only extremely intelligent but also friendly and kind to everyone. She was a great listener and had a sympathetic ear.

Our HKIS community has always been one with its own unique bond which despite distance and time has remained not only strong but cherished. Koh Ann is cherished by this community.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

Rest in Peace Koh Ann

To Koh Ann’s family,

Please accept my sincere condolences on Koh Ann’s passing. I knew her in middle school—she was always so kind, with a smile that lit up the room. Those memories stay with me.

I’m thinking of you all during this hard time. May your memories of her bring comfort, and may she rest in peace.

With sympathy,
Stephen Doe Class of 89

HKIS in the 80s was truly a special place for me, not because of the almost country club backdrop, but that and the McDonald's delivery for lunch didn't hurt in my teenage mind. What truly made HKIS special in retrospect was the people. People like you, Koh-Ann --- all of my memories of you include your kindness wrapped in what seemed like a perpetual smile, though perhaps there were some smirks I mistook for smiles. As the new kid on the block I remember always feeling welcome to pester you, with high school banter or super urgent math or physics homework. You'll always be the bubbly, thoughtful and wickedly empathetic kid in my mind because you seemed to be the same in the moments I've seen you since we were kids. Somehow I dug up the courage to ask you to prom --- let me say Victor Cheung showing up at my house wearing a white tux and white gloves to pick me up taking and posing for pictures (I can't find) probably had my parents a bit confused; "yes we are on our way to prom together but we are going to pick other people". At your front door in Repulse Bay, I remember a bubbly smile, stunning but simple outfit. No puffy, frilliness that would have been hard to resist then. Also no fuss; simply let's go! Though I didn't have the luxury (or curse) of capturing that moment on a phone, that moment lives in my mind as a "favorite". I have to believe that you're now in a better place, free from fighting health battles nobody wants to fight yet which you seemed to do with grace. No doubt the examples you set for your kids - even by simply being you - will help them navigate grief and eventually thrive. May you rest in peace. You were taken away way too soon.

Koh Ann was a small but mighty force with her huge intellect and tenacity in what she chose to pursue. Always smiling and kind but equally focused on what she cared about. To her family: I’m very sorry for your loss. Her energy and good nature will live on through you as it will in those of us who grew up having her touch our lives.

Koh Ann was always kind and considerate. I enjoyed sitting next to her at one of our reunion meals in SF.
I will pray comfort especially for her two sons and those who were closest to her.

Thinking of Koh Ann’s family during this time and wishing you peace and comfort - devra Langford (HKIS ‘86)

You were one of my first friends in Hong Kong and a constant friend and confidante at hkis even when I entered in the middle of the year. I remember so many good times with you: hanging out on the beach, going boating with a giant dog, fishing in the New territories in one of those ponds where they stock it with fish so your are guaranteed a catch, spending many lunchtimes in the hkis cafeteria pondering this or that . You always had a smile and cheer

Then when we both were in university on the east coast we didn’t see each other often but I do remember one epic road trip to see auntie Deanna in New Jersey …
And then when we were both working in Hong Kong you had a way of letting me whine and whinge and still cheer me up. You always let me be jaded, and you also could join in my cynicism, but always managed to turn the theme and end on a positive note .
I remember walks with you, visiting you in your 7 cat apartment in happy valley (and having to flee after my eyes started tearing and I couldn’t breathe after two minutes ..) , chatting with you in your office in bonham strand or in Alpen ridge in niseko where you took up snowboarding despite everything… we had many drive by hellos wherever we were - on your boat, on the street ,or even in Olympian city where you were attending an art fair for your son. You gave me some doo-dads that you 3D printed and I still have those today …

All these are my treasured memories of you koh Ann , one of the steadiest best friends I could ever have. Actually one of the best aunties because even though you’re a few months younger you’re actually my aunt 😅. Your sons are so lucky that you always wanted to help them explore all their passions and interests even while you worried about their grades . All moms should be such tigers - defending their childs’ right to explore .

I only regret that as you went thru yo yo with cancer I couldn’t, or didn’t , simply take you out or tell you how much I loved you and treasured our friendship . But I remember you always and will miss you forever.

Koh-Ann, thank you for making me feel so welcome when I joined HKIS in 11th grade. I will always remember your kindness, cheery smile and your infectious laughter filling our classrooms. Rest in peace my friend. You'll be deeply missed.

Friends and family of Koh-Ann,

My prayers are with those who are mourning. I find comfort in remembering your kindness, your humility, your giving heart. We shared a few classes over my HKIS years. I recall Ms Gibbs and Calculus most notably. You were very talented and very humble of your talents. Not the typical stance. My prayer for those mourning your passing.

Dearest Koh Ann,
It truly was my good fortune and great pleasure to have known you over these many decades. Even though we lived mostly on opposite sides of the world, on all the occasions when our paths crossed, you have always brightened up the room and added cheer and positivity to the atmosphere. Your kindness and consideration will surely be missed by all who have had the good fortune and privilege of knowing you. Your infectious smile and giggles always livened any and all conversations.
Your life and presence were a delight to all, and you will be sorely missed. However, none more than your loving parents who are certainly enduring the tremendous pain of losing you.
The world certainly is a better place to have had you and all your contributions to it!
RIP with much love,
U. Jim

I’m terribly sorry for your loss. I was saddened to hear of Koh Ann’s passing. She was always a great friend throughout all of my years at HKIS. It was so wonderful to reconnect at our 30th Reunion. She will be missed. My condolences to the entire family.

I can’t even remember how far back we went, sharing the same homeroom class year after year—but I’ll always remember us in 7C, with Miss Schalk as our homeroom teacher.

You were part of those formative days, the laughter, the growing pains, the everyday memories that shaped us. Thank you for being part of everyone’s journey in our Class of 86. You will always be remembered with warmth, and missed deeply.

Rest in peace, Koh-Ann.

Koh Ann - You have always been an inspiration to all of us. I will always remember your kindness and generosity and your big heart - large enough for all of us who were blessed to be your friend. You took all of us under your wing - inviting us over to your house to hang out with your parents or organizing get-togethers whenever we were in the same city. It's hard to imagine a world without you in it, but you will live on forever in all of the lives you touched. I will love you forever, my friend.

I had the privilege of not only attending HKIS but also studying at the same university with Koh-Ann. Her camaraderie, candidness, and sense of wit helped pull us through those grueling years. Always generous to others and devoted to her two sons, I am confident those who knew Koh-Ann will thrive in her legacy. She will be sorely missed.

Kind, always ready to lend a hand & support. It’s been awhile since our HKIS days but you are remember fondly & you will be missed 🌹

I've known Koh An all her life and I can't remember anytime during those years when she wasn't cheerful and welcoming She made me and many people happy to see her and talk to her. Will miss her.

Thank you for making me feel welcome at HKIS. Your smile and encouraging words always brightened our high school walls in Repulse Bay. Thank you for being a bright spark! You will be missed.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were at HKIS just starting our lives. I have so many memories of the classes we took together and the laughter, and sharing our ups and downs as we grew up. You are gone much too soon, but the memories and the impact that you have had endures.

You will forever live on, my friend, in our hearts and memories. Even though we live far from each other we have kept close over our 40+ year friendship. I have always admired your sunny disposition and your down to earth attitude even though you are crazy smart. I miss you deeply. May you rest in peace, KA.