I want to take this opportunity to let each of you know how much it has meant for me to read your precious thoughts and memories of my only child, Tina.  While reading these messages from all of you has brought on many tears, your words and recollections have also provided tremendous comfort and strength to me during this extremely difficult time.  Losing my husband and Tina at the same time is very hard to accept.

Tina's father and I were always kept up to date on the lives of many of you and I know how much she enjoyed and cared about your friendships.  We were both so proud of Tina, of the person she had become, of the life that she had built, of the career she had established and of the friends she had surrounded herself with.  Your independent messages describe a common theme of how Tina had touched your lives.  I shall always treasure each memory, each thought and each word.

Perhaps this website may be the only opportunity I have to communicate with some of you.  Others I hope to meet in person later.  In either case, thank you very much for sharing your special memories.  May Tina and her father's spirit live within all of us.

Rita Ron-Hwa Yeh

For information on the Tina E. Yeh Community Fellowship program and the Association of Asian American Yale Alumni, please click here.  Click on the Summer Fellowship link.

Service at IBM, San Jose

  Tina was one of the first people I met when I moved to California from Kentucky. She would always go out of her way to make the Bay Area feel more like home and would always offer advice and directions on where to live and what to see. What would start as small hallway chats would end up as deep conversations in her office.
  I remember all of the times she would stop by my office to check-up on me. I also remember the naked baby calendar in her office that resulted in a lot of laughter and jokes. I remember the recruiting that went on, trying to persuade me that Yale was the place to go for my MBA. But most importantly, I remember the hug that Tina gave me on my last day at IBM. She said she didn't want me to leave without getting a hug. She was a great friend and the sweetest person I have ever met. I will miss you deeply Tina.
Eric Anderson

Tina will live on in my memory as a bright star among her family, friends, and colleagues. I had the honor of meeting her only five years ago when I transferred her to California to join my team at IBM....and more importantly to be closer to her huge circle of friends and family. She had so many dreams left to fulfill, way beyond the career in which she accomplished so much. She was an incredibly giving and caring person. Her glass was always half full if not overflowing. Tina, we all miss you so much.
Margaret Ashida

I only met Tina a few short months ago, when she took over Vince's managerial position, and I was her secretary's back up. The first thing that struck me about her, was her genuine smile and kindness. You know the saying, "She could light up a room with her smile?" Well, that was Tina. Her smile was infectious...you couldn't help but smile when you were around her. I remember saying to Maya (her then-secretary) how absolutely nice Tina was. There was no ego to this lady, she was a team player. Tina was so appreciative of, and so accommodating to, her secretarial support. I will never forget her. This loss was such a tragedy for everyone that ever came in contact with Tina. She will be greatly missed.
Catherine Avila

We were shocked and saddened to receive this news, and our hearts go out to Tina's mother. Tina will be missed.
Ganesh Babu

Tina was one of the nicest, warmest people I have ever met. She was always concerned with others before herself. I had the privilege of working with Tina in my short span of 5 years in Finance at IBM and she was always upbeat and had a knack to bring you up regardless of how bad things were. She loved seeing my kids and talking about them and I hope that she is able to play and be with lots of kids where she is now. I will always treasure my time knowing Tina and will miss her dearly. Better keep practicing your ballroom dancing Tina, because you owe me a dance when we meet again.
Brian Bower

Tina was the Yeh Girl to me! I thought that I had used up all my tears, but as I start writing this message, the tears begin to flow again. Tina was so special that no words that I write will do her justice. She could take endless amounts of teasing. Rick Lalli and I would measure the length of her shorts because we used to tease her that she was showing too much leg. I would make fun of marriage and Tina would quickly remind me how lucky I am to have Pumpkin (my wife). Tina insisted that I call her first whenever I brought new pictures of my boys into work. She loved children. My boys are kinda big for 3 and 4 years old, but it didn't stop Tina from picking them up and giving gigantic hugs. I hope my Yeh Girl memories never stop because a day without Tina is a day without sunshine.
Mike Cannestra

I was actually travelling to Singapore when I heard the news of Tina being on SQ006. I was shocked and saddened about our loss of Tina and her family members. She was recently at our house for a friend's birthday party and took wonderful camera shots our our baby girl. Tina was very bubbly, energetic, dedicated to IBM and her friends. It makes us realize how short life can be and how much we all need to treasure it.
Bob Cancilla and Mary Marx-Cancilla

I worked in Finance from September 94' - April of 96' and sat right outside of Tina's office supporting part of the finance team. I remember her laughter, smile, kindness, caring ways, the list can go on forever. I saw her just before her trip and we decided to meet for lunch when she returned to catch up since we hadn't really seen each other in awhile. She wanted to hear about my Harley adventures. I had learned to ride a motorcycle while working in finance. Oh how she loved stories and pictures. I've read a few of the messages in this memorial and I'll get to the rest, they are all beautiful words and memories of a such a lovely person. Tina I will miss you. You are an inspiration to us all. God bless you and your family.
Robyn Chambers

It is a sad time for all of us who knew Tina. It didn’t hit home until I made my first call; that’s when I realized that Tina’s passing was real. Then opening up this site and seeing Tina’s pictures pop up started the emotions again. Now, as I think of Tina, memories of our experiences together flow out in a stream...Grooving to Phil Chen’s, then Ben & Henry’s disco tunes...trying to learn ballroom dancing...the constant teasing that Ben and I gave her...teaching me how to drive on the backroads of Hawaii’s Big Island...persuading her to come out to California...setting her up long distance with a friend (and Tina actually agreed to it!)...Tina trying to give Mike and me golf lessons...walking into her family’s home and seeing that kitschy high school picture with her hand under her chin...Tina, I’ll miss you.
Harry Chang

I am saddened to hear about the loss of our dear friend Tina. Truly saddened. It's been many years since I have spoken to her last. We've bumped into each other off and on throughout the years however, and each time we would catch up on gossip and life's stories. I remember her from our times at Yale, dancing at the AASA parties, organizing events, law library campouts, swingin at Daniels, runs on Durfee Sweetshop, and most of all, heart to heart talks about love and life. She was non-judgemental and always supportive. Always there. She had many friends. She wished us all well. She worked hard. She loved life. I hope that by being in our lives, she has taught us to do the same. I will miss her, dearly. In a way that words cannot describe.
Philbert Chen

Tina, I have not been able to get images of your smiling face out of my mind. I will carry you with me for quite some time. Your laughter can still be heard clearly in my head, you laughed so easily and so often. Double stamp Tuesday at the Cheesesteak shop will never be the same. The pricing team will miss your famous fudge this holiday season...you never gave me the recipe like you promised. You were the coupon queen and the ice cream princess (who knew Ben & Jerry's had a local shop for freebies w/internet coupon). You no longer need to worry about all those goodies clogging up your arteries....you can eat all the cheesesteaks and sweets you want now in heaven. You won't have to earn your wings, Tina, you entered His gates already wearing them. I'm so glad to have known you.
Susan Cherny

Tina was incredibly thoughtful and giving.. often sending us photo reprints to us from our various gatherings. It was only weeks ago when Tina attended our wedding.
Tina was an energetic person...
She loved ballroom dancing; she liked ice-skating and even taught it at one time.
She will be missed very much by all of us.
Elaine Chu / Elliot Fan

Tina and I started working together at IBM in San Jose just about the time my granddaughter was born. As Mike has shared, Tina wanted to be the first to see new pictures and if I hadn't brought any in for a while, she would ask why. She genuinely loved children would listen endlessly as I bragged about our Mia. About a year ago, she had the chance to meet Mia in person at one of Mike's after-game barbecues when my daughter Erin and Mia were visiting from San Diego. She loved watching Mia and Mike's boys going at it in the hot tub. The next day, she stopped by my office to tell me how pleased she was to have been able to meet Erin and Mia, and that I had every right to brag about them both. IBM Finance has lost a truly outstanding individual, but nieces, nephews and all the children she has ever touched have lost a loving and caring aunt. Tina, we love you and miss you.
Tom Clarke

I did not know Tina or her relatives personally, but as I sit in the office on a Saturday morning and learn of this tragic accident, I find tears in my eyes and deep felt sympathy for you all. My heart and my prayers are with you.
Rupert Deighton

Tina was a lot of fun, very thoughtful, and a great conversationalist. She loved kids - my son is in one of those photos with Greg's daughter - and she had a whole brood of older "kids," since, like Greg and me, she was an Asian American "floating" freshman counselor at Yale. I know she enjoyed staying in touch with them and they were a very important part of her life. We enjoyed having occasional South Bay dinners with Tina at her favorite Vietnamese restaurant, and she was always so generous and thoughtful with our children. We'll miss you very much, Tina.
Grant Din

When I first saw this website, it brought forth more tears...of sorrow mostly, but also joy. I whole heartedly agree with what has been written about Tina. She was a remarkable woman. I had the pleasure of being her first office mate when she started working at San Jose IBM. She was energetic, dedicated and very quick to learn. But above all she was a joy to be with. She loved life and loved people. She has a circle of friends all over the place. Tina was loved by many and we all will miss her very much. Its hard to grasp still that she's not coming back but she will be in our hearts forever and no one can take that away from us. Tina loved ice skating and I remember the time she came along with my girls for a Girl Scout ice skating event. She had so much fun and my girls still remember her as a bubbly, life-loving girl. Tina put up with a lot of kidding from the guys at work, but she would always take it well. She, as Mike C. said, was the 'Yeh Girl'....always positive, always striving ahead. My family feels for her Mom who has lost her immediate family. It's going to be tough but Tina's mom will know that Tina's memories will not fade away. She was too beautiful to ever have her slip out of our thoughts. Tina, her Dad, her Aunt are with God now and so I know at least she is in good hands. WE LOVE YOU TINA!
Cheryl Elliot

We (Troy, myself, and our four daughters) were all so shocked and sad to hear the news about Tina, her dad, and her aunt. Although our girls only met Tina a few times (over the past year after we moved back to the Bay Area), they really loved her and felt an instant connection with her. Reyna (almost 5) recalls how much and how loudly they laughed together. Naomi (9) remembers their shared interest in ice skating. Tina was so giving -- she would take photos of us all, then immediately send us copies. Last night, I was thinking about Tina (Yale '83)as one of the "angels" freshman year (along with Linda Chung and Keiko Nakamura), and how good natured she was about all the teasing they received. She was so full of joy, so giving and caring and warm. Wish we could have spent more time together. We will all really miss her and mourn her.
Margie Fa-Kaji

  I will always remember one thing about Tina, she was unforgettable. Her positive attitude was felt by all those she touched in her life. I spent many hours with her as she was learning the ropes of management. Her skills with people were that of a senior manager and not a new one. Tina was so sincere and caring it came through in all she did. the members of her department all became very close to her very quickly. As I watched her grow in her new assignment, always putting her people first, while learning all the technical issues, I thought what a special person she is and what a gift IBM finance had been given. In her short term in management and her years in IBM Tina showed us all what we should be like. We should all care for others as we care for ourselves as Tina did. As we have seen, we are only on earth for a short time, we need to make the most of it. Give our love and we will get it back. To say what happened to Tina is unacceptable is not enough. To say we cannot understand why is understating the understood. Tina is with most of her family in the only place they could be. That is the only thing that can make this even a little understood.
  Tina, it has been a pleasure to know you and to learn from you. I hope to see you sometime down the road in the bright warm spot you must be in now.
Vince Gaeta

Tina was one of the most delightful, energetic, bubbly people I ever knew in my 35 years working for IBM. She always wanted to know "what's up" with my wife Lois (who had the pleasure of meeting Tina on two different trips to San Jose), my daughter and son, and my granddaughter Kimberly. I thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity to show her pictures of my family and of my new home in Tennessee to which I moved after my retirement. Another memory I'll always have is of Tina's delicious chocolate fudge. Every time I traveled to San Jose, she would bring me a fresh batch of fudge - made just for me! I saw Tina just a couple of months ago, and I was looking forward to seeing her again in November - and especially to showing her pictures of my new, 1-month-old granddaughter Angela! Well, I'll show her those pictures when Lois and I see her in heaven. Tina, fond memories of working with you will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Eldon Green

In the relatively short time that I have had the honor of working with Tina, I found her to be one of the most positive, shining people I have ever known. Never was there a time when Tina expressed dissatisfaction over any challenge she confronted. She looked upon challenges as opportunities that were approached with optimism and humor. My life is far richer in the short experience that I shared with Tina and the world is much poorer for her loss. Tina, you will be sorely missed, but the spirit of your memory will always shine on us.
Denny Hageman

  Tina will always remain in my memory as a kind and loving person. In everything that she did, whether at work or socially, she gave of herself in ways most people are incapable of. She was an example to all of us and her spirit will live in the people who cared and loved her.
  I remember so many little things about Tina...her smile, her cute laugh, the way she asked about the weekend and if you had any "fun plans" and so many more too numerous to mention in this note. I will miss her, but I will honor her through acts of kindness and a positive attitude. That is truly Tina's legacy.
Anna Cruz Harvey

Tina, you are special, and you are very missed down here as you must know! You were an unceasingly bright and kind light in so many lives. I appreciated all the enthusiasm and care you showed each time we met; you were never proud or stuffy about your abilities; always looking out for others; always enjoying life. You have shown us all what a difference one life can make. I hope, too, that we might all join you one day, and that your spirit will guide us back to the deeper meaning of life when we get caught up in insignificant trivialities and overly busy lives. Thank you for all you gave us! and we thank God for you. Our prayers go out to your mother and extended family. God bless you always.
Katharine Hsiao

Dearest Tina,
  Fate and time, from this, escapes none.
  Time, you had in abundance. But fate has taken away you away from us. We can't control fate. But at least we were enriched by your beauty, your sweet personality, your fine intellect and your friendship.
  Dear Tina, rest well in eternity, while we shed bitter tears for you.
Jason Jem

Tina was a Powerhouse at IBM San Jose. She was involved in so many new programs, I often wondered where she found the time to do them all. She was also a very nice person, gentle and always willing to help. I am so sorry she is no longer with us.
Rafael Juarez

  I don't know how one goes about saying good-bye to a good friend. In the end, you're left feeling cheated out of all the time you thought you would have had together- to say the things you would have liked to have said to her, and to have spent enough quality time together, if only you knew. . .
  Although there will always be a void in my life here in the Silicon Valley suburbs without Tina here to share it with, I take some comfort in the fact that she is now and will always be surrounded by her loved ones. And I think she would have been touched by the tremendous outpour of love and friendship from people everywhere who knew her.
  In her memory, I wrote a short piece that I think sums up our unique friendship, entitled "Requiem for a Friend," which I have posted here to share with those who miss her, as I forever will.
Jane Kow

 Requiem for a Friend

Tina was not only my floating counselor at Yale, but a wonderful person, a compassionate friend and confidant. She was always there during the important events in our lives. We all loved her as if she were our own sister, and she is missed terribly.
John Lau

wow.......heaven is no longer missing an angel............lemme tell those of you who didn't know her in college....this girl could dance! but she was also......(and, i know, more importantly,).....a force for good......always a smile.....always a helping hand.......always there for her friends....(and there wasn't anyone who didn't like her!) i can tell from the messages of those who knew her after college that she continued to blossom as the positive person we all loved on sight...i think the last time i saw her was at my cousin pam lee's wedding.....it wasn't enough and i wish i had had that AASA reunion we talked about last year so we could have done the latin hustle one more time.....good bye and good night, Tina.....and God bless your family.......
Chris Lee

Tina was a delight to know and work with. Her positive attitude and energy was infectious. She will be dearly missed.
Sharon Lee

I met Tina in 1995 while working in San Jose and will always remember her kindness and willingness to help people. And her smile... that smile that would lighten up everything and everybody. She will be forever in our hearts.
Marcelo Lema

It is so unbelievable that one flight took the lives of my mom, Uncle Clement and Tina. Aunt Rita mentioned this website for Tina the other night. Looking at the pictures of Tina on this website reminded me of how much Tina loved taking pictures. I just looked at some other pictures of her at Muir Woods National Park when my mom and I visited her during March of this year. I really got started to know Tina when she traveled to Texas for IBM business in 1989. Before she moved to California, we visited her, Uncle Clement and Aunt Rita in New Jersey and Connecticut. After she moved to California, I visited her several times in Cuppertino. We took several day trips to Monterey Bay and of course, we would stop by the outlet malls during the trips. I have many memories of Tina and how she shared her life with us. There are so many great things I could say about Tina, but I'm still lost for words. Tina, you are greatly missed.
Milton Li

I met Tina at John and Julie Chang's wedding. We were both in the Wedding Party and both lived in the Bay Area at the time. We would get together with friends in the Bay Area for dinner and dancing. Tina was a wonderful "hustle" dancer. I remember how she travelled all day to Tom and Ilene's Wedding in New York. She got there full of energy and ready to party. Tina, you're a wonderful person. Keep smiling. :-)
Wayne Lim

My wife and I were so sorry to hear of the plane accident and Tina's death. Reading the letters from her friends and love ones, we can only imagine what a great loss to everyone and her family. We know she must have provided inspiration, meaning and emotional support in so many of her friends at work and love ones at home. We will miss her.
Michael Louie

  Tina was a special person in my life (it is incredibly difficult to talk about Tina in past tense). Since the first time I met Tina when she welcomed me to Yale at Phelps Gate, she had always been someone who genuinely cared. Tina was more than just a counselor who helped me get through freshman year. She generously continued to share her warm and kind heart with me well past our college years as if she was my sister. She listened when I needed to talk, comforted me when I was down, and most of all, she understood.
  We have shared so much great times together - road trips up and down the East and West Coasts, ski trips, meals in divy restaurants in Chinatown, waiting for the sunset on the wrong side of the island in Kauai, shopping trips to the malls and outlets, checking out the Presidential china in the White House, phone calls late into the nights. The list goes on and on.
  Although I can't pick up the phone and call her like I always did, I know she is still listening. I know that she is among the angels look out for us just like she always had. Her beautiful personality will stay in my heart forever.
Jenny Lam Low

I've been delaying these thoughts because putting them in writing would mean that Tina is really gone. The last time I saw Tina was at Margie and Troy Fa-Kaji's house during a Christmas party in 1999, just before I moved away from California. It was a very special evening for me and one that I will always treasure. A few of us lingered after the party and Tina took photos of each of us with Margie and Troy's daughters. As many of us know, Tina was always extremely good about following up with everyone and sending them photos, and those photos are still among my favorites. I had known Tina from her very first days at Yale, and it was amazing to realize that I had known her for over 20 years. I will treasure that friendship as well as all the other friendships I've been blessed with.
Beverly Ma

As I read through all the messages, several thoughts came to mind...
a shared image of Tina - her smile;
a shared opinion of her - loving and giving;
a shared feeling now - unthinkable loss;
a shared to-do - will always remember her;
a shared wish - she's an angel in heaven.
I will not forget how wonderful it is to have a friend to visit in LA! I will not forget how sweet she is to go searching for crabs with me! I will not forget her smiling face. I will always remember her!
Isabella Mark

I first met Tina when I was in high school. She was my brother's floating counselor at Yale and the first thing that struck me about her was that she treated me like my own person instead of someone's little sister. You can imagine what an impression that made on me. Fast forward to 1999 and I'm pregnant with Jack…and HUGE. Tina met me & Kevin for dim sum and we took the only preggo photos that I like. Maybe it was because Tina & I were hamming it up since things were always SO much fun when Tina was around. Jack loved Tina from the moment he met her at about 1 month old. He stared at her for literally 50 minutes while we ate a peaceful (!) dinner together. I remember wishing I had Tina's magic with kids. My only regret is that we were out of town when Tina called Labor Day weekend to say that she would be passing through for a visit if we were available. I would have loved for us all to have spent that time with her but we will always have her smile, her laugh and her thoughtfulness. We miss you so much, Tina.
Anna, Kevin & Jack McClelland

I had opportunity to work with Tina on the PIMPS project while I was at IBM. She was the most energetic individual who always had a smile on her face. It is sad that she is now leaving us but her smile will always be remembered. God bless you, Tina.
Nathan Nguyen

I was fortunate to be able to meet and become friends with Tina through her dear friends, Cindy Chock and Rosanne Lin Wong. There are so many images I have of her when I hear her name: vivacious, genuine, generous, and smiling. I only got to see Tina at holiday gatherings or kids birthday parties, yet she always greeted me as though we had been old friends. Cindy, Rosanne and I have young families that Tina was always a part of, an "Aunty" to all. When most of us lament about not having enough time to do this or that, Tina made it a priority to visit or call or lend a helping hand. Tina I will miss you greatly, thank you for all the "lessons" you have taught by just being you.
Patty Owyang

Tina was one of my floating counselors, and somebody who definitely influenced me in becoming a counselor myself. She was so giving and nurturing, our "mom" away from home. We had dinner a while back, squeezing in a meal before she hurried off to ballroom dancing. She reminded me about when a group of us had attempted to learn ballroom dance at Yale, but only she and Ben were brave enough to stick to it! I think Harry and I wimped out after one lesson. Somehow, my image of her dancing is as disco queen, not "simply ballroom" -- but it brings a smile to think of her back in the day. We'll miss you, Tina.
Lisa Oyama

Tina, your friends on the east coast (and I, myself in Paris now!) are extremely shocked and saddened by this tragedy. Many of our fun, fond memories of our earlier IBM days in New York include you. I vividly remember your first townhouse purchase in Ct, our dinners at the great pizza place (that I can't remember the name of right now), our attempts at working out, and of course, our power shopping trips to Stamford mall. I hope you enjoyed your (short) life to the fullest and that you and your family are at peaceful rest. My prayers and thoughts, Angela
Angela Pisano

I worked in Finance with Tina for several years - but always remotely, me in Tucson, Tina in San Jose. I always looked forward to our phone conversations. I will never forget Tina's kindness, her sense of humor, her ability to form good friendships even over the phone, and her absolute love of her family and friends. I was lucky enough to be able to spend time with her in person a few times over the years. I guess I always thought there would be more chances. I remember when Ann Hosein had her first baby and Tina went shopping for our department gift - I'd have given anything to be able to go with her, she had a great time doing things for people. Tina, I can't believe this is my only chance to say goodbye to you.......you are truly missed & loved.
Mary Ramsey

My wife Karen and I spoke with Tina as she was leaving the IBM parking lot to fly to LA for her vacation. We made plans to have dinner when she returned. Both Karen and I will always remember Tina's excitement about her trip and we will always have lasting memories of how happy she was at that time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tina's mom and her family at this tragic time. Tina was a coworker of mine for a number of years. She was a truly beautiful person and the world is a better place for her having been here.
Pat Reday and Karen Takahashi

I worked with Tina for 3 years as a Pricer and never enjoyed working with someone so much. Tina was always supportive, pleasant, a real team-player, creative, and fun to work with. I never had the pleasure of meeting Tina in person, only hearing her bubbly voice over the phone but I know what a sweet, full-of-life person she was through her voice. We talked about getting together if I ever made it to San Jose on a trip and I can't believe that will never happen now. To Tina's Family, Friends, and Co-workers - My thoughts and prayers are with you. May we all take Tina's love of life, joy, and hope for the future forward in our lives as a tribute to her.
Tracy Schremp

 Click here to read Ray Sheen's closing remarks from the service for Tina held in New York. 

  Tina, my dearest Tina. My dance partner, Ginger to my Fred. You are unwittingly, and prematurely, the first to embark on the next great adventure. We are left with an emptiness, where your friendship and companionship resided. Empty not for the memories, but for the life journeys we had yet hoped to share. Though I comfort myself that you will always be with us, yet my heart is filled with such grief I have never suffered.
  Tina, my dearest Tina. We are all diminished by your passing. You are the first to leave us…I hope you will be the first to greet us when we all join you in our time. We will fellowship again, and perhaps dance…only this time you can lead.
Benjamin Sun

I have been struggling with whether to leave a few words about my experiences with Tina, feeling that whatever I end up saying still wouldn't do justice to the kind of person she was. Yet, as I read what her other friends have said, I feel that I should add what Tina used to tell me about all of you. Tina and I started carpooling to work earlier this year and through our many conversations, I felt that we were well on our way to becoming very good friends. Every Friday she would ask me about my weekend plans and then share hers with me. Invariably, she had plans to get together with a friend or friends to go to a restaurant or dancing or just to visit her godson (which was her favorite activity). She really enjoyed the time she spent with all of you and would be refreshed by the time we drove to work on Monday. I still can't quite believe that my carpool buddy (that's what she used to call me) is gone, but she will continue to live on in my memory.
Frances Tan

The little girl appearing in some of the photos is our daughter Alexandra (Alex).  Tina loved Alex as she did all her nieces and nephews.  One time, Tina could only stay for the day.  Usually she stayed over night before heading up to Vancouver.  Our daughter Alexandra was devastated when Tina left.  She cried and cried when we put her to bed.  So the next time Tina mentioned she was coming up this way, I laid on a heavy duty guilt trip and told her, "Remember how disappointed Alex was when you didn't stay over last time?"  Tina said, "Okay, okay.  I get it.  I'll stay over.  Boy, you sure know how to press the guilt button."  I can hear her voice and laughter.  Tina, you will forever be a part of our lives.
Greg Tuai and Benling Wong

 Click here to read a letter to Alex regarding Tina. 

I met Tina in 1995 as soon as she started working in San Jose, and we quickly became great friends. In 1998, I quit smoking, and kept track of the number of days since I quit on my board in my office. Tina would stop by every few days to check on my progress, and every time I reached a 100 day milestone, she would insist on taking me to Baskin Robbins for an ice cream. Her support was a major reason that I will celebrate 900 days smoke-free this Friday. Let's all have an ice cream on Friday in Tina's memory. I will miss you forever Tina, God bless you.
Steve Virtue

It was a pleasure to have had an opportunity to get to know Tina over the last year or two. We first met when she was a Pricer in San Jose. It was nice to have had a chance to work with her even more closely during the last month or two prior to her vacation. Tina was always energetic, positive, and balanced. There are so many fond memories. She left me feeling blessed and better for having known her. I will particularly miss her smile and laugh!
Aviva Wada

  Tina will always remain in my heart as a sweet and caring friend. A few summers ago, Tina and I went to buy strawberries. She always brought an extra basket back to share with the department...she was thoughtful that way. And who can forget her fudge...umm umm good!
  Who can forget when Tina got back from vacation and found her office, monitor, chair, wall and floor were covered with pictures of Tara Lipinski. Tina loved ice skating and felt that Michelle Kwan was robbed of the gold medal. For weeks, she could not get rid of all those pictures.
  TIna promised to stop by my office to take a look at my new baby's pictures. She always gave me a hard time for not bringing in my wedding pictures. Tina-you were truly kind and very special...I will miss you.
Le Wang

I only had the pleasure of knowing Tina a short time, having been a newcomer to her Finance Departmen, three months. Tina had a gift that few people have, and that is making people feel very special. No issue was too small for her to take time to help you. Tina has left an indelible mark in my life, her kindness and love for life are gifts that will always make think of this very special person, "Tina".
Rose Wein

  I'll always remember my first and last years working with Tina. We first met in White Plains 9 years ago when we both were starting out as "junior staff" in M&S Planning. She would bug me because I didn't have any pictures of my new daughter in my office. Finally, one day, she brought a picture frame into the office to shame me into putting up pictures.
  I tried to talk Tina into coming to San Jose when I was a pricer a few years later....not for any other reason than I loved having her around. She was always so happy, and nothing could keep her down. She had a way of lifting my day.
  Finally, I had the chance to have Tina work for me. She always gave everything she had. No one can ask for anything more than that. My last words to Tina were that if she ever wanted to move back to New York to work, she'd better call me first.
  I haven't gone one waking hour over the last 48 without thinking about her. The world was a better place with her in it. She was such a good heart. Tina, I will miss you.
David Wilson

  Tina- we still can't come to grips with losing you. Since hearing the news, we keep on praying that somehow Tina would magically show up.
Tina has been and will always be one of the best parts of our family. I will always cherish the memories of our times at Yale, dancing at Daniels to late night pizza at Yorksides. Tina was a wonderful part so many events in our lives: our wedding in AZ, Thanksgiving parties with the Yalies in the bay area, New Year's celebrations at Wai & David's, our daughter (Sydney)'s 1 month and birthday, ..... It was just the other week when we were celebrating Elaine and Elliot's wedding, posing for "Tina & the boys" photo (above), and planning on Thanksgiving/XMas get-together's.
  Eleanor and I may never accept the idea of losing someone so important to our lives; but, no one will ever be able to take away the memories or love Tina has given to us.
Henry Wong and Eleanor Ling

  I met Tina during a Super Bowl party hosted by Harry and Charlene Chang in New York City about fifteen years ago. After the party, I discovered to my dismay that someone had broken my car window and stolen my radio. Tina made all the guys in the party pile into my car and "escort" me home safely. I'll always remember the freezing cold wind whipping through my broken car window, contrasted with Tina's warm concern for my well-being. That was what Tina was all about. She was always thinking about me and my family and went out of her way to help us.
  The following is a letter which I wrote to my two-year old son Spenser I want to honor her memory for him. I read this letter to my students today (I teach Language Arts and Life Skills to middle school students here in California) and asked them to also write to someone special in their lives. Tina always put her friends and family first. She talked about them to me so warmly and often that I felt I knew them and loved them as well. I wanted to inspire my students with Tina's story. This is the only way for me to make some sense out of this tragedy.
Rosanne Wong

Click here to read a letter to Spenser regarding Tina. 

I never thought I would ever say this but I would give anything to have the 4Q99 SSD warroom back. That's when I got to know Tina well. We had long round the clock warroom calls that never seemed to end. We would be talking to AP late in the evening and Tina would still be in the office - without dinner and a break but still cheerful. That kind of stress always shows one's true character. Tina was the shining star of the warroom. Always there, always cheerful and always willing to help. I will always remember her smile.
Lesli Yenni

It's very hard to think of Tina in the past tense. She was lovely, lively and fun to be with. She has the personality that one can easily get close to. She loved children and was very patient with them. Tina was everyone's sister, and we will miss her very much.
Frances Yuen-Pang

Tina was one of the brightest parts of my experience at Cottle Road. She was competent, a pleasure to work with, and had a knack for being a steadying influence in a turbulent workplace. Tina always seemed to know what it would take to make someone feel better, and she maintained a very healthy, balanced view of situations. Among the people I have worked with and managed, Tina will always be special. When I think of all the hope and joy she carried, it makes the whole thing seem even more unfair than it already is. God bless you, Tina.
Scott Zeitler

Click here for the story in the San Jose Mercury News, November 2

Click here for the story in the San Francisco Chronicle, November 3

About this site

This site is for Tina's friends to share their thoughts and memories of Tina.  I hope this site brings you some joy in this time of loss.  

Greg Tuai

Last update: Friday, January 05, 2007 08:21 AM Pacific Time