LIFE

 Arthor: Helen Ma

First of all, a big hearty thank you to Bea and Patrick for keeping us connected.  

 I worked for one year in Taiwan before coming to the States to get my MLS degree from University of Michigan.  I had an one-job career with the Detroit Public Library working on many satisfying projects, such as opening a brand new library, ordering from the first book and planning various programs to promote it.  My last project was to automate the DPL system, an institution of 30 buildings in addition to the Main Library, digitized a collection of over 6 million titles, wrote user manuals and trained over 500 staff.  A very rewarding but taxing 6 year operation.  I took early retirement at 54 to devote myself to my passion of travel.

 

My husband came to the States after high school in 1956.  After teaching at college level for a few years he switched to the auto industry, working at the General Motors as a servo/electric engineer.  He was the project leader developing the first robot that painted cars in the world.

 

We have two daughters, Alice is a well known hematologist in her field, and Eileen is a lawyer.  Our only grandson is a law student, following in his mother’s footsteps.

 

Dan and I have traveled to nearly all the states in the US.  Alaska is my first favorite, followed by Utah with all their natural wonders.  We have taken nearly 30 cruises and toured many continents and countries.  Italy is my love.  When I visited Rome for the first time, I prayed and bargained “Dear God, I will be a good girl this life, would you please make me an Italian next time?”  Too bad that Covid-19 is cutting short my travel, but I count my blessings for the places I have seen and people I have met.

 

Take care, everyone, and stay healthy.  God bless.

Helen Yun Wei Ma (樓筠瑋)

2020/8/19

 

樓筠瑋 (Front row, R4)

   樓筠瑋 (Row 5, R4)

   Helen and Dan during a cruise