Emily Su, age 89, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died Friday, February 19, 2016, at Wynscape Nursing Center in Wheaton, IL. She was born February 19, 1927 in Canton, China.

Emily arrived in the United States in 1948 for college, studying first at Pomona College and later at UC Berkeley, where she met and married Martin Su.

In 1963, Emily and Martin used their life's savings to purchase a small floral supply company based in Chicago's Chinatown. Over the next 20 years, through a devastating fire that almost bankrupted them and despite the challenges that accompany building a business, they expanded Chinese Gift Wholesale nationwide, establishing it as the largest nationwide wholesaler of ceramics to florists.

Retirement represented the happiest time in Emily's life. After all her devotion to hard work and loyalty to others, she had the opportunity to spend meaningful time helping to raise her grandchildren and enjoy being in the company of close friends.

Emily lived her life around central principles, which could be described as SELF… Strong, Enterprising, Loving and Forthright. She needed to tap into her inner strength time and time again to overcome the hardships that she confronted as an immigrant in a new country. Her industriousness and determination were invaluable in building a thriving business. And all who knew her respected her fair and forthright manner. But above all, she always put her family first, providing an enduring sense of love and devotion to her children and relatives.

Over the years, Emily and Martin sponsored numerous relatives from China, guiding them through education, career and life choices as they developed their new lives in the USA. Her impact on them and the ensuing generations has been immense.

Emily never thought about herself, only what she could give to support and nurture all whom she loved.

She is survived by her two daughters, Dr. Lenora (Phil Cerney) Su of Naperville, IL and Annette (Kirk) Wilson of Greenwich, CT; her five grandchildren, Gina (Doug), Christina, Deborah, James, and Chad; and one great-grandchild, Jonathan; sisters, Mildred and Winnifred, two sisters in China; and many dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Martin, of 54 years; and a beloved son, Jerry.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 9:30 a.m. at the Compass Church (Wheaton Campus), 520 Roosevelt Road, in Wheaton, IL.