To Dear Auntie Bessie: You left us very quietly without saying good-byes, You left us so suddenly - I could not be there, You left us too soon - I could not bear… When I was a little child, grandma said I looked like you… I often saw your photos, but never had a chance to meet. When I went abroad, it was our 1st time to meet, two generations apart, but we bonded quickly like glue… You gave me my 1st ring, it was the 1st piece of your own, from none other than your mom & my grandma, this little pearl baby ring I treasure it above all. You accompanied me to the north of East China Sea, Japan was the 1st trip for me with you, which opened my eyes, mind & heart, to foreign art, culture and all… We spoke often from then on, exchanging our caring thoughts and all, never ran out of words to say, we were best friends above all. We lived apart - thousands miles away, often gathered when we can. many fun filled trips with delicious food, these happy memories remain till the end. You were caring, kind, with a gentle soul, always received everyone with open arms. You were loyal, loving with a generous heart, always hosted gatherings for us all. You were elegant, smart with a graceful spirit, always looked beautiful inside and out. You were cool, calm and collected, always faced life’s ups and downs with dignity. You left us weeks ago, I still cannot believe nor want to, where you are after all, free in that serener sphere of heavenly rest…

五嬷嬷史文霞女士在我小时印象中是一位高贵、美丽和慷慨的姑妈。在大陆改革开放后，我们才得以见面。五嬷嬷和五姑丈给予我们家庭无私的帮助和支持，爸爸因为他们的帮助而多次赴香港考察，并因此出版了2本有关香港景观和室内设计书籍，给当时闭塞的大陆带来了先进的资讯和概念。我和妹妹也得以在小的时候，便能接触外面世界的新鲜事物。 在五姑丈过世后，我与五嬷嬷接触的机会较多，才知道她丰富的内心世界，才知道她所遭受的苦难和她的坚强。 愿亲爱的五嬷嬷史文霞女士在天堂安息，我们一家会永远怀念和感激您！ 史纪红 代表小弟史庆堂一家敬上 2014年9月3日

Aunty Bessie is my mother Katherine's younger sister. Although they are two years apart in age, my mother suffered from a childhood illness and had to stay home for one+ year. Mom ended up attending the same grade level as aunty through middle school, high school, and St. John's University. Because they were similar in age as compared to their three older sisters, aunty and mom did things together more with their younger brothers(uncle 1 and 2) and cousins (the Chu). They also hung out together with their friends. My mom used to tell us how the whole gang went boat riding in West lake and stayed in the Summer house all Summer long. They napped after lunch and ate watermelon before supper. Playing, bicycle-riding, chatting were their main agenda of the day. These were the best days to remember... In college, Aunty started dating the late uncle Teddy. He was part of the gang, too. Their relationship blossomed and even became stronger during a critical period of time aunty suffered from TB. My mom, then a teacher, took care of her and gave up her salary to buy medicine and nutritious food for aunty. After China closed its door to foreign influence in the early 50s, mom and aunty were the only two Shih siblings lived outside of China in Hong Kong. Their bond continued even later when my mom and dad moved away to Taiwan and Singapore. When my dad passed away suddenly in Singapore in 1977 while I was only a college freshman in the States, aunty Bessie and uncle took my mom in. My mother worked to support our college tuition while aunty and uncle provided mom shelter and comfort the following 10 years before mom transitioned to the States. I am forever grateful to aunty and uncle who stepped in to help in our time of grief. As I look back at the life of aunty, her love and care to her siblings and their next generation, my wish is that we will apply the same love to those in need and make an impact in their lives. The name "Bessie" means "the Oath of God". "Bessie" is also the nickname of "Elizabeth". I am named after aunty Bessie who told me once that she chose "Bessie" because of an old English Lit author/poet. Two years ago, my sister Molly shared Christ with aunty who prayed to receive Christ. We will all see aunty someday standing in the glorious Heaven. While remembering her passing, this is also a time of celebrating her life on earth and in heavens. "God made us for the very purpose of being near to Him always. Heaven will be a forever hello" - Anne Cetas "Face to face-O blissful moments! Face to face-to see and know; Face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so!" -Breck Now we see Jesus in the Bible, but then face to face. Aunty Bessie now is resting in her loving heavenly Father's arms.