Irene Sun (Ho Lai 何来)

Jan. 7, 1935 - Nov. 7, 2024

We are sorry to let you know that Irene Sun (Ho Lai 何来) died on November 7, 2024. She went peacefully and was surrounded by family in her last few days, sharing photos, songs, and happy memories. We know she made a difference in the lives of many people and would love to see your photos and read your stories about Irene by clicking the “Add a memory” button below. Irene lived to almost 90 years old, and was married for 57 years to James Sun. She is survived by her husband James Sun, daughters Emily Glick and Maria Sun, and grandchildren Phoebe Glick (25), Ben Glick (23), Lily O'Neill (12) and Sebastian O'Neill (11). Irene was born in Nanjing, China, on January 7, 1935. She and her family moved to Taiwan following the Chinese civil war. She trained as a primary school educator, then obtained a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Teachers' University in Taipei, Taiwan. Irene taught fifth grade from 1952 to 1953, then was involved with teaching, supervising, and counseling from 1957 to 1959. In 1959, she competed with 3,000 students and won one of only two full-ride Fulbright scholarships to study abroad. Education was very important to her and she was widely regarded as an extraordinary student. At the age of 24, without friends or family, she came to the United States and went to graduate school at the Catholic University of America, receiving her master's degree in clinical psychology. She worked as a staff psychologist for the Children's Convalescent Hospital in Washington, D.C, and as a research assistant with the Child Center of the psychology department of Catholic University. Though she was far from home, she always sent money back home to help support her parents and nine siblings. Irene met her husband James in the United States and they married in 1967 after a whirlwind courtship. They had their first daughter in 1968, and their second daughter in 1972. They frequently moved to different states for James's work, before settling in the Chicago area. Irene supported James through graduate school, then stayed home to nurture the kids for several years before heeding the call to return to work. She worked as a school psychologist so she could be with the kids when they got home from school and share their vacation schedule. Even so, she continued to challenge herself and eventually returned to school herself to achieve a doctorate degree in psychology. They moved to Huntington Beach in 1985 with James' job transfer, and were delighted by the weather. Their kids were always amazed by all the friends they kept up with from their lives in Taiwan, many of whom also ended up in sunny California. Irene worked for the County of Orange in Children and Youth Services where she helped children with autism, long before many thought they could be helped. She was a respected and skillful therapist. She also had a private practice where she saw adult clients as well as parents and children, specializing in the Chinese immigrant community who are often reluctant to access mental health services. She volunteered her time leading parenting groups for that same community, as well as providing other pro bono services. Irene helped so many people and made such a lasting impact. She will be dearly missed. ✧✧✧ Here is a list of charities that Irene supported, if you would like to donate in her name instead of sending flowers: CSCNA Charity Corps, Inc.: https://cscnacc.org California Province of the Society of Jesus: https://www.jesuitswest.org/about-us/the-jesuits/ Doctors Without Borders USA: https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ Orange County Rescue Mission: https://www.rescuemission.org/ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/ Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles: https://www.habitatla.org/ General information about University Retirement Community: https://universityretirement.org/healthcare Irene spent the last few years in their excellent assisted living and memory care. We are so grateful to the compassionate and competent staff who took such good care of her. They made it possible for family to enjoy just visiting with Irene. Contributions to their Employee Appreciation Fund go directly to the employees of the facility, many of whom cared for Irene and continue to look after James. To donate to the URC Employee Appreciation Fund, please mail a check made out as follows. Payee: URC Memo field: EAF in honor of Irene Sun Mail to: URC care of Melanie Norris 1515 Shasta Dr. Davis, CA 95616