Freda Lai Kuo

Freda Lai Kuo Fu-Mei departed this world to be with the Lord at the age of 71 on July 4, 2009, after a courageous fight against cancer.

Born in Taiwan, she received her B.A. degree from Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, before coming to the United States in 1962. She received her M.S. degree from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas in 1964. She was a registered dietitian who worked for many years at Indian Path Hospital and Brookhaven Manor Nursing Home. In her retirement, she traveled the world, reveling at the beauty of faraway places.

She embraced life with open arms and faced each day with tremendous joy during the time given her by God. Pure of heart and trusting in manner, she graced those who knew her with her kindheartedness and uplifting demeanor. She will be dearly missed.

Preceding her in death were her beloved parents, Kim-Chih and Fang-Tzu Lai of Taiwan. Surviving are her loving and devoted husband, Dr. Chung-Ming Kuo of Kingsport, and two children, who were her pride and joy: son, Dr. Michael Kuo and wife, Lyly Hoang-Kuo of Vienna, Virginia; daughter, Susan Kuo and husband, Jason Richardson, of Columbia, South Carolina; her sisters, Jean Chiang and husband, Carl, of Maryland, Dr. Leslie Liu and husband, Tai-Ping, of California, and Li-Yuan Lai of Taiwan; her brothers, Dr. Dennis Lai and wife, Margaret, of New Jersey, Dr. Jemmy Lai and wife, Joyce, of New York, and Chung Lai and wife, Mei-Mei of Taiwan; and many special friends, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, and nieces.

She was a longstanding member of Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, where a memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on July 11, 2009, with Reverend Dr. Daniel Clark officiating. Music will be provided by Julie Vogel and Susan Whipple. The family will receive friends at the church, following the service.

The family would like to extend its gratitude to Dr. Mack Mathews and all the nursing staff of Kingsport Hematology and Oncology for their loving care and kindness, Dr. David Carbone of Vanderbilt University for his expert advice and endless compassion, Dr. Hager, her family doctor for his exceptional care, and the Wellmont Hospice staff for seeing her through her last days. Many thanks also to all her faithful friends and church family for their love, support, and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wellmont Hospice, 280 Steeles Road, Bristol, TN 37620, or Waverly Road Presbyterian Church food pantry, 1415 Waverly Road, Kingsport, TN 37664.