Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on the passing of Te Yung Gao, renowned writer and longtime columnist for Chinese newspaper Sing Tao Daily:

“Anita and I are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Te Yung Gao, a truly incredible woman whose words inspired people worldwide for decades.

A full-time mother and a prolific writer, Te Yung was a columnist for Sing Tao Daily for the last twenty years. Her written delivery of human interest showed her true understanding of our fragile humanity. Residents who read her columns knew her writings reflected our City’s values and aspirations for a better world.

Anita and I knew her well. We dined on her delicious traditional Chinese cooking, attended cultural performances together and shared many hours discussing our experiences. We were fortunate to have called her a true friend. Her optimism during her sickness showed her tremendous courage and indomitable spirit, and we had expected her full recovery from gastric cancer.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with Te Yung’s family and friends at this time.”