So Kam Jear

Born on August 2, 1932 Departed on May 5, 2019 and resided in Mahopac, NYVisitation: Ballard Durand - White PlainsThursday May 16, 2019 4:00pm to 8:00pmFriday May 17, 2019 11:00am to 12:00pmFuneral Service: Ballard Durand - White PlainsFriday May 17, 2019 12:00pmBurial: Kensico CemeteryFriday May 17, 2019 Following Service

Mahopac, New York

So Kam Jear, endearingly known as Susie, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 5, 2019, with her family by her side.

She was born in China on August 2, 1932, the daughter of Look Gow and May Seeto.

In 1958 in Toronto, Canada, she married the love of her life, Yee Roy Jear, affectionately known as Roy, who survives her. Married for over 60 years, Roy and Susie raised four devoted children, Carol, Nancy, Eileen and Sidney.

Eventually settling in Westchester, Susie and Roy became successful restauranteurs of several well-known Chinese restaurants, among them, Joy Luck Restaurant in Yorktown, Joy Li Restaurant in Cold Spring and, finally, Roy Luck Restaurant in Jefferson Valley. In each restaurant, their children worked side by side with Susie and Roy to earn their living. Susie, the hostess extraordinaire of each restaurant, brought a dauntless spirit into managing the restaurants, and carried a simple elegance into every aspect of her life. Everyone who had the good fortune of patronizing her restaurants knew her graciousness extended beyond her hospitality. No one was more welcoming to friends or strangers and she loved to inspire smiles on hungry faces. Indeed, her kindness was pure and perfectly dovetailed with her genuine grace.

Survivors include her beloved husband, Roy Jear of Mahopac; her daughter, Carol Knoch of Garden City, NY and her husband, Larry and grandson, Christian; her daughter, Nancy Waples of Hinesburg, Vermont and husband, Gregory and grandsons, Lane and Graeme; daughter, Eileen Jear and her husband, Drew Bongianni of New York City; and son, Sidney Jear of Cold Spring, NY and his partner, Ruth Herring and her son, Christian.

Susie is also survived by her brother, Kent Gow of Brighton, Massachusetts and his wife, Susan and their children, William, Nancy, Jean and Kenny, and their respective spouses and children, all of whom Auntie Susie loved, doted upon and adored.

Susie was predeceased by her parents and her most cherished sister, the late Sue Szto, of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Her brother-in-law, William Szto of Marblehead, Massachusetts, husband of her beloved sister survives Susie, as well as, her nieces and nephew, Jane, Anne,
Sally and John and their respective families, all loved, treasured and admired by Auntie Susie.

Being a mother, devoted wife, and adoring grandmother was always Susie's greatest achievement and her commitment to building a family was unwavering.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, May 16, 2019 from 4 pm to 8 pm at the Ballard Durand Funeral Home in White Plains. A service to celebrate Susie's life will be held at 11 am the following day on Friday at the same venue.