L. Meiling Yen

L. Meiling Yen, affectionately known as "Grandma Yen", passed away at her Mattapoisett home on Thursday, February 7, 2013. She was 97 yrs old. She was the wife of the late George Yen. She was the daughter of the late SluHu Moon Shang and Yee Shee Shang. Mrs. Yen immigrated to the United States at the age of seven from Canton, China and settled in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Meiling graduated from Attleboro High School and then attended Sargent College at Boston University. In 1950, she and her husband opened up the five-star, popular Meiling's Restaurant in Mattapoisett. They owned and operated the business until 1979. She liked to mention that Meiling's Restaurant was the first to bring the Chinese-style buffet to the area. Meiling enjoyed a good life of which much was attributed to living each day to the fullest. When asked what her secret for a long life, Mrs. Yen was quick to say "eat right, as you eat to live, exercise everyday and help at least one person every day!" Her philosophy on life was simple, treat people with respect, kindness and try to make at least one person happy everyday. She would be quick to tell you that education is the key to a successful life and without it you will have a hard time succeeding. Meiling enjoyed, in the later years, gardening, reading, swimming, shopping, dining out and visiting friends. Her favorite book was the Good Earth by Pearl Buck. Mrs. Yen would often deliver fortune cookies to police departments, town officials, doctors, neighbors and their children. She called it good clean fun. She always said, never say good-by, say "Enjoy Life!" Meiling is survived by her three daughters: Gloria Besthoff of Greenwich, Connecticut; Victoria Williams of Chantilly, Virginia and Ameia Yen-Patton of Mattapoisett; five grandchildren: Barton Chin, Eric Chin, C.J. Williams, Keri Williams, Peter Yen Patton; four great grandchildren; seven sisters: Mai Shang Woo of Elmhurst, New York; Mary Shang Chin of Dedham; Lily Shang Mooncai of Fort Meyers, Florida; Olive Shang Manoli of Las Vegas, Nevada; Nancy Shang Hsi of Estero, Florida; Evelyn Shang of Mililani, Hawaii and Joan Shang Wong of Woodbridge, Virginia. She was predeceased by brothers: Kai Q Seeto, Kai Pak Seeto, Kai Ong Shang, the former mayor of Attleboro and her sister: Virginia Shang Chang. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend a graveside service on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 11:00 AM at North Purchase Cemetery, North Main Street, Attleboro. Burial will follow. For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.