Garbo Lei

Garbo Wong Lei, 55, died peacefully in her sleep at home on Saturday, July 29, 2006 in Topeka, KS.

She was born November 3, 1950 in Hong Kong. She moved to San Francisco, CA, in 1968. She was Miss Chinatown San Francisco 1973 where she met and eventually married her husband, Albert Lei, later that year. They lived in Sacramento, CA until 1979 when they moved to Huntsville, AL. In 1983 they moved to Topeka, KS with their 3 children.

Garbo was a deeply caring and generous person with a strong love and commitment to her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Albert, one son, Vincent (Shenzhen, China), two daughters, Tiffany and Dr. Tamara Lei, (both of San Francisco, CA) and beloved dog, Xiao Shao.

Garbo was a philanthropic member in our community and active in many local non-profit organizations. She tirelessly worked with programs to benefit children. She was especially proud of her work with CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) who advocate for the best interest of children and youth involved in the court system. She began as an Advocate in 1987, then served as a CASA Citizen Review Board member beginning in 1995 before being elected to the Board of Directors for a term of 2001-07. She also raised funds through their crafts group, boutique, Holiday Home Tour and volunteered for their hotline for sexually abused children.

She was a strong supporter of the Washburn Rural Alternative High School for at-risk students, where she donated her time and money.

Garbo was also an active member of the Chinese-American community. She was elected as co-president of the Topeka Chinese Club in 1984 and then helped charter the Topeka Chinese-American Association and became co-president again in 1992. She served as co-chair of Cornerstone of Topeka's Asian Buffet and Auction Fundraiser from 1991-95. She enjoyed teaching Chinese calligraphy and Chinese dancing to children.

She was a charter member of the Kansas Book Club. Other organizations Garbo was involved with include the Friends of the Library Booktique, International Bazaar, Multi-Cultural Education Committee at Topeka Collegiate, Stormont-Vail Neo-Natal Center, Topeka Needlework Guild and USD 437 schools.

Garbo's other interests and talents were just as varied as her philanthropic activities. She loved needlework, beading, jewelry-making, card-making, scrapbooking, traveling and so much more.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial gifts be made to the Kansas Children's Discovery Center for an Asian Garden that will be dedicated in Garbo's memory. Gifts can be made to the Topeka Community Foundation – Kansas Children's Discovery Center and mailed to P.O. Box 4014, Topeka, KS 66604.

Per Garbo's wishes, there will not be a funeral or memorial service. Internment will be in Half Moon Bay, CA. There will be a celebration of her life held on August 12 from 4-7pm at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene (37th and Wanamaker).