Siew Lin Tan

Siew “Theresa” Lin Tan

1944 – 2022

Siew “Theresa” Lin Tan, aged 78, passed away at her home in West Seattle on October 8, 2022 in the presence of loved ones. Siew was born in 1944 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the fourth child of Foo Ah Lan and Tan Kin Soon, both originally of Hainan Island, China. Siew immigrated to the United States in 1975, joining her mother and siblings in settling in the Seattle area, and received her American citizenship in 1982.

As a young woman, Siew pursued religious life with the Convent of Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, and was known there for her kindness, simplicity, and readiness to try anything she was given to do. Although she would eventually find this life not for her, she would continue to minister to others through a 30+ year career in nursing, which she spent almost exclusively with Swedish Hospital in Seattle. It was also through nursing that she formed many of her closest, lifelong friendships.

Siew was an avid reader, gardener, and traveler. Whether snorkeling or mushroom foraging or undertaking a do-it-yourself home renovation, she was always keen to try new things. Many of her adventures, including annual trips to Maui, were shared with her husband Walter, whom she married in 1992 and with whom she spent 12 years before his passing in 2004.

In addition to her husband, Siew is preceded in death by her parents and brother Lim; and survived by sisters Lin and May, brother Nam, stepchildren Wynne and Kurt, and numerous step-grandsons, nephews, nieces, grandnieces, and grandnephews. She will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives she touched and remembered for her hospitality, generosity, and passion for life.

Siew’s life will be celebrated at a gathering for family and friends at her home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a cancer research organization of your choice.

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Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home ~ West Seattle