Lasting Memories

Helen Chenn
Nov. 29, 1924-Oct. 14, 2016
Logan, Utah
Submitted by Helena Chenn, daughter

Helen Chenn, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 14, 2016, at home in Logan, Utah. She was born November 29, 1924, in Shanghai, China, Chen Hai-Han. Helen resided in the San Francisco Bay Area for 47 years, living in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos Hills and Foster City, California, prior to moving to Logan, Utah in 2010.

She graduated from the University of Shanghai in 1949 with a B.A. in English and studied at W.S. University in Kunming, China. Helen and her husband, William, fled China during the Communist occupation to Kaoshiun, Taiwan. Helen worked alongside William, when they established Wylie Photo in Taipei, Taiwan in 1950. William was Eastman Kodak’s Far East distributor. They created a thriving photo finishing business prior to immigrating to the United States in 1963. They opened Wylie Photo in Palo Alto, California in 1964 and in 1977, opened the August Moon Tea House, a popular dim sum restaurant in San Jose. Helen was an avid reader who had a love for mystery novels, watching 49ers and New England Patriots football games and golf tournaments. Her greatest passion was traveling the world with William. Together, they visited many cities in Europe and traveled extensively throughout China.

Her life was a picture of love, first with her true love, William, love of her books, love of country western music and love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased in death by her husband, William and her grandson, Andrew William Chenn Miltich. She is survived by her children Wylie Chenn (Lynelle) of Logan, Utah; Helena Chenn-Junker (Hans) of Cupertino, California; Steve Chenn (Julie) of Houston, Texas; and Frank Chenn (Vicky) of Seattle, Washington; Grandchildren Nathania Apple, Jennifer Isom, Marc Chenn, Todd Chenn, Mason Chenn, Alicia Abelmann and Andrew Chenn, along with nineteen great-grandchildren.