We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear APEN Oakland Leader Steering Committee Member, 陳冬花, Debbie Chen. She was such a beautiful spirit bringing joy, care and warmth in any space she joined and we will deeply miss her. She is survived by her husband and two sons.
陳冬花, Debbie Chen, born in October 1959 came to Oakland with her family from Taishan, Guangdong, China in 1994. After arriving in Oakland, she demonstrated the characteristics of resilience and diligence of Taishan women, working tirelessly in electronics and chocolate factories before dedicating herself to the In-Home Care Society (IHSS) industry, selflessly caring for the elderly and patients. Throughout her life, she worked diligently and persevered, and what she was most proud of was raising her two sons to be successful and accomplished individuals.
In addition to fighting for environmental justice with APEN, as an active member for over a decade, she was a leader in Asian Immigrant Women Advocates (AIWA), a core member of the Toishan Family Association, and an active union member with SEIU 2015 and a community fitness group, Healthy Friends, that performs and practices tai chi and dance. She dedicated her life to advocate for working women and a healthy community for all. Her contributions to our community have improved our air quality, workers rights, access to jobs, clean and healthy places, safer communities, and stronger policies, both locally and statewide.
In her personal life, Donghua was full of charm and vitality. She loved singing and dancing, often displaying her confident style on stage; she diligently practiced Tai Chi, radiating boundless energy; she was also passionate about photography, always capturing beautiful moments in life through her lens, leaving countless precious memories for those around her. She loved traveling with friends and experiencing different landscapes, from Yosemite National Park to Alaska on a cruise.
Her legacy will live on through all she has accomplished, in all the ways she touched our lives, in the smiles and warmth she exuded. As another Leader Steering Committee member, Lisa Peng, has said more eloquently than we could: “Donghua, you lived a life of integrity and brilliance. You left love for your family, warmth for your community, and beauty for each and every one of us. Although you have left us today, your smile, your kindness, and your spirit will live forever in our hearts.”
