Obituary for Rosalyn Chin-Ming Koo

"I first met Roz ten years ago, back when I was a college sophomore at Princeton. Roz took me under her wing and shared her own amazing life story with me -- one that I have never forgotten, and which I immediately remembered years later when producing a podcast on immigrant voices. I knew she had to star in the pilot episode, not only because she was herself such a radiant voice, but also because she used her voice so powerfully for others. She blew my mind with her energy, generosity, and passion; she also supported my own journey as an academic, writer, and journalist with her great warmth and wisdom. She was an amazing mentor and it was an honor to know her and interview her.

She continues to be an inspiration to me.

With deep condolences for her family and community,

Stephanie Tam"

"I'm mourning the loss of a hero and giant in our community, Roz Koo. Roz you were a fierce fighter for women and girls, myself included. At your core, Roz, you were a catalyst for change. In your tiny frame, you were always the biggest one in the room - bossy, brutally honest, and incalculably generous with an insatiable strategic mind.

Roz, you accomplished 10x what most will do in a lifetime, feeding the minds and bellies of thousands. During our last lunch together, you just happened to mention that you raised $30k the previous day for rural schools in the Philippines and eyed me asking, "So what have you been working on?"

I salute you Roz, you will not be forgotten, your work and vision will carry on. I promise not to cry for too long because I know that you'd tell me to stop wasting time and get back to work, keep climbing the mountain. I love you and miss you so much already."

"We heard about the loss of your mother, Rosalyn Koo, and wanted to reach out to her family.
Rosalyn was the most caring, funniest, liveliest mother-hen to all of us, and was largely responsible for finding a niche for my mother at the Regent retirement community - on the lucky 8th floor, which is the same floor with Rosalyn. She was such a natural leader, always radiant and funny, with big ideas and a convincing belief that you will help her because the cause is so right! We miss her so much, there is no one like Rosalyn. We so treasure the laughter and the times we got to spend with her.

With deep condolences and with celebration of all the love that Rosalyn gave,
Andrea and Deanna Chan"

"My deep condolences to Roz's family. It is hard to believe Roz, a mentor, inspiring role model, and a dear friend of mine left us.
I was once told that Roz was raised and expected to be an Ambassador to her then homeland back in China. I would think she did fulfill the ambassador role above and beyond through her professional life and retirement. Her vision, wisdom, and most importantly, her love and devotion for the community improvement and advancement, re-establishment of her beloved high school in Shanghai, establishment of education program for the underprivileged rural girls in China. One life touches and inspires thousands- you will be truly missed, and may your legacy lives on.

Rachel Lu, Friend and Alumnae, San Mateo, CA, Feb 27, 2021"

"Our thoughts of Auntie Roz are filled with our love, admiration, sincere gratitude, and deep respect for her. Auntie Roz's legacy of lifetime accomplishments touched and inspired so many of us in so many ways. We are deeply saddened by her passing, but are comforted in knowing that her unforgettable passion, her adventurous spirit, and her boundless energy continue to inspire us all. We love you, Auntie Roz!"

"Hard to believe Roz is gone... I worked with her on water conservation project at TPR, and she was such a good organizer. Her life story is so impressive, and the remarkable thing is that she is very approachable and personable. She was truly one-of-a-kind lady, and quite a challenge to follow her steps. We truly miss her... Love and Peace, Michiko Ibuka"