Helen Tao Obituary

Helen G. Tao (Quek Kai Chiok) died February 1, 2017 in her Colorado Springs home.

 

She was born in Malacca, Malaysia to Quek Shin and Pan Yu Yin in 1925. She graduated from Nan Yang Women's High School in Singapore (where she had many school friends) and went to Ginling Women's College in China to complete her Chemistry BS; her MS degree from Michigan University, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; and finally her PhD in Nutrition Chemistry from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska.

 

She worked at America Potash Company (Henderson, Nevada), Dorsey Laboratory (Lincoln, Nebraska), and then taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska. After retirement, she moved to Colorado Springs in 1997.

 

She is survived by her husband, Luh C. Tao; her four children, Alvin (Dianne), Bernard (Ann), Clara (Douglas) Colvin, and David (Michela); her grandchildren, Matthew (Shannon), Daniel (Jessica), Betsy, Erin (Akshay), Gregory, Katherine (Christopher) Schultz, and Alexandra Colvin; and her great-grandchildern, Madelyn Tao and Samantha Schultz. Among her children are five dentists and four physicians, who kept her retirement life healthy.

 

In Singapore, the eldest of her family is Mrs. Kai Tong. Nephews and nieces are Quek Yuan Hong, Warren, and Anna; and Dr. Kai Cho. In Australia are Drs. Kai Yan and Kai May with their families. Other nieces and nephews are Angela (Canada), Tim, Dr. Sam, and sister, Kai Wah, whose families are in the USA and include Joan, Tina, Xili, and Janet.

 

Helen was a wonderful and loving wife and mother, a research chemist and a manager of educating and guiding her beloved family. We admired her achievements, loved her for her guidance and care, and will always carry memories of her fondly in our hearts.

 

Memorial donations may be made in Helen's memory to the University of Nebraska Foundation, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.