Sarah Anne Lum

August 21, 1923 - December 13, 2021

SARAH ANNE LUM, born Sarah Anne Wong, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2021 at the age of 98. She is survived by her son Dwight Lum, her twin sisters Betty and Shirley Wong, granddaughters Jenifer and Shari Lum, great grandsons Isaac and Silas Sade, nieces Emily and Heather Wong-Xoquic, and nephews Anton and Duncan Wong.

Born in Shanghai on August 21, 1923, her mother, the late Ng Git Wah, provided Sarah with a playpen of needle, thread and patterned fabrics. Sarah had a passion for costumes and fashion, her creativity being based on her study of 1950s – 1970s couture. She was a part of a Chinatown community of devotees to Chinese couture, was spotted in her 20s by Hollywood agents to audition as possible successor to Anna Mae Wong, and was the final act in the monthly fashion shows at the Fairmont Hotel adorned in a Chinese Opera Costume and ornamented headdress.

Sarah received a Life Achievement Award from Artists Embassy International in 2015 at the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco for her many years of service as an Arts Ambassador towards Peace through the Arts. She performed with the Poetic Dance Theater Company, nationally and internationally, for over 40 years, especially at the annual Dancing Poetry Festival. Her poetry dance performances at World Congresses of Poetry and Cultures received enthusiastic applause from audiences around the world.

Sarah’s dedication, friendliness, and multi-talented art will always be appreciated and remembered. She is loved by many and her smile and grace will be deeply missed by all.