Newsmaker
Monday, September 28, 1998
Name: Faye Chou F.P. Shei
Age: 60
Position: Model Chinese Mother of the Year
Education: Taiwan National Normal University
Faye Chou F.P. Shei and her husband followed traditional Chinese values when they raised their four children -- a daughter who now is an attorney in San Francisco, and three sons involved in business here and on the mainland. A model of dedication
The Chinese ideal holds that parents dedicate themselves fully to their offspring, she said. "We spend our money for the kids' education," said Shei, who was chosen Model Chinese Mother of the Year by the United Chinese Society.
Children must first succeed in life, and then be good to their parents when they grow up. "You have to pay back; you have to respect."
Chinese tradition also teaches one to work hard, do volunteer work and help people whenever possible, and her children -- who are fluent in both Mandarin and Taiwanese -- were reminded of this constantly, she said.
"We talked to them all the time," she recalled.
The Taiwan-born Shei was a success in her own right in her younger years, the first in her family to receive a college diploma. After college, she taught high school algebra until she married Tien Tsen Shei. Together they raised their children while running a successful chemical business in Taipei.
The family moved to Honolulu in 1976 and started running a grocery store in Chinatown.
Shei began community service here in 1980, serving as director and treasurer of the Hawaii Chinese Association. In 1984 she was elected vice chairwoman of the Organization of Chinese Americans. She joined the Chinese Women's Benevolent Association in 1987, and became vice chairwoman in 1990 and chairwoman from 1993 to 1996.
She expanded the activities of that organization, which began making donations to help orphans in Taiwan and Macau, and providing donations and service to the Palolo Chinese Elderly Home and Lunalilo Home.
A devoted Buddhist, she helped start the Yuk-Fur Temple choir, and now is its director.
Last year, she was selected to head the Taiwanese Seniors Association, bringing in such innovations as a folk dance club and choir group for seniors.
Shei thanked the United Chinese Society for selecting her as Model Mother of the Year, and also the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu for its recommendation.
She was honored at the United Chinese Society's annual banquet.
Harold Morse, Star-Bulletin
