April May Guss

April May Guss 75, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26, 2024, at her home in Fair Oaks, California. She was born to Suey Shing and Shew King Yee on April 12th, 1948, in the city by the bay, San Francisco California. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School and ventured out on her own at the age of seventeen.

Her stepfather Phillip Lum helped her get started by finding a boarding room and with that new relationship came a stepsister, Caron who became a lifelong friend. First came the job at Baker and Hamilton Hardware Wholesale where she became a bowling champion with her friends and won numerous trophies. Through the years she worked for other companies in the north and south bay area, Burndy Corporation, Christian Brothers Winery, CSC Corporation. April loved to create memories for special occasions, baking special birthday cakes or making simple but detailed costumes, a wedding veil, or a simple children’s book. Her eyes would light up with excitement and she would create with purpose, creating a memory.

Being with family and friends was important to her. She loved being a big sister to Carol and a stepsister to Caron, going on trips with her brothers and just spending time with her mother. She loved meeting up with her Snow Sisters and just goofing around with her husband or being a side kick to her walking buddy. “Fun and feisty”, as a friend described her. April was a proud American Chinese woman who set the bar high. She will always be remembered for her kind heart, creative talents and the special memories we shared.

April is survived by her husband Dan; her mother, Shew; five brothers, Alan, Arnold, Alvin, Adam (Peggy), Patrick (Teresa); one sister, Carol (Henry); two stepsisters, Caron (Shawn) and Cheryl (Desmond); and one stepbrother, Phillip Jr., with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her father, Suey Shing and stepfather, Phillip. May she always live in your memories and thoughts. Per April’s wishes, no services will be held, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Children Hospital .

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