On December 30th, Wai Sim Chin (née Lee) passed away peacefully in her sleep at South Cove Nursing Home after an amazing 97 years of life. Born in Guangdong, China, to Ben and Louise Lee, Wai and her family fled war and famine in their home country to seek the American Dream. Settling in Boston as an immigrant, Wai worked in the Chinatown sweatshops to help provide for her family. Wai was introduced to her husband, Robert Chin, by her brother Chester Lee. They moved to Mission Hill, where Wai and Robert raised their three children before relocating to North Reading, MA, where they opened the Dragon Village Restaurant.

Realizing the American dream of owning their own business and home, Wai's three children graduated from North Reading High School. After the untimely passing of her husband, Wai retired and spent time living between Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Boston. She led an extremely active life, taking public transportation well into her late 80s, traveling to casinos, and playing Mah Jong with her friends. She was happiest when enjoying meals with her brothers, her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always ensuring that everyone finished all the food on their plates and that there was “no waste.” Most importantly, she made sure her son, Stevie, brought a cake.

She is predeceased by her parents, husband, her sons Lennie and Robert “Bolo” Chin, and her brother Chester Lee. She is survived by her son Stephen Chin, her brother Arthur Lee and his wife Jing Li, her grandchildren Matthew Chin, Jarrod Chin, Kristy Tofuri, Alyssa Ng, Samantha Chin, and Stephanie Chin, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews