Clara Yu 余麗芳

Clara Yu 余麗芳, 73, of Malden died in Boston March 24, 2024 following a short illness.

Born in Canton, China, Clara graduated from school of nursing and immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong in 1975. She worked hard and eventually opened her own restaurant, Gar Bun, in North Cambridge which she operated from 1987-1996. She had a second career as a medical interpreter with South Cove Community Health Center in Boston and Malden beginning in 1998 and was still working until her recent illness.

Always very social, Clara met and became close friends with the ladies at Chinese dance class. She also enjoyed having coffee and spending time with all her friends at South Cove Community Health Center.  In her spare time, she took pleasure in gardening and growing succulents at home.

She will be remembered for her thoughtful, supportive and caring ways. The love that was sewn into each hat and scarf she knitted and gave to her family and friends will last long after the garments themselves have worn out.

Similarly, she shared her love of cooking; making traditional Chinese soups and porridge.   Her sons will always remember her homemade red date, tofu and mushroom soup which she would make for them, and how she would lovingly remind them both the importance of family values, to watch out for one another and to take care of each other.

Clara also enjoyed shopping on Home Shopping Network and getting together with friends, but her happiest times may well have been those spent drawing or making arts-and-crafts with her only grandchild, Katelyn.

Devoted mother of Tony Yu and his wife Nha My and Jason Yu and his girlfriend Shamara. Cherished grandmother of Katelyn Yu. Sister-in-law of Wai Yee Ip, Sister of the late See Yan “Paul” Yu. Also survived by a niece and nephew, Hoi Yan Yu, her husband Chong Nang Lei, grand nieces Karina and Charlotte, and nephew Wai Pan Yu.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend Clara’s visiting hours* Saturday April 6, 2024 from 8:30am until 11:00am at the Hamel-Lydon Chapel 安泰殯儀館, 650 Hancock Street, Quincy. Traditional Chinese rite and casket closing ceremony from 11:00-11:30am. A procession will leave the funeral home to go to Malden and Boston Chinatown before her interment at Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston.

*To order flowers with traditional Chinese white ribbons, please contact Bella Florist 媚園花鋪directly at 617.338.6888.

***Per request of Clara's family, please add and share photos of her here.

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