Malina America Chian Lau

M. America (Chian) Lau, 92, passed away peacefully with family members by her side on Thursday, January 12, 2017 in Decatur, GA. She was born on July 18, 1924 in La Habana, Cuba, to the late Julio Chian and Vicenta (Leon) Chian. America and her older brother, Alfredo, spent their childhood in La Habana in a large and vibrant Chinese and Hispanic community. Frequent gatherings of family and friends always included music and dancing, which fostered a very talented brother and sister dance pair. Two of America's friends who frequented these gatherings, Georgina "Fonfi" Tong and Delia "Lenlen" Loo, introduced America to their cousin, who would become her husband, Juan Lau.

America had an incredible work ethic, zest for life, and compassion for the human spirit, which showed in every aspect of her life. Upon graduation and marriage, she and her husband founded a farm, El Marinero, in Güira de Melena, Cuba. In her 17 years of poultry farming there, she worked as the accountant for their business, built a beautiful home, and gave birth to her two daughters, Adele and Laura. The success of the farm allowed her and her husband to enjoy weekend outings to the world-famous Tropicana nightclub and Varadero Beach, and establish a second residence in the exclusive Havana Biltmore Yacht and Country Club. Later and during retirement, they would travel around the world extensively in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Their lifestyle quickly changed when Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba. America and her husband then faced the challenge of fleeing Cuba with their family and completely rebuilding their lives. They did so with steadfast determination and remarkably open hearts. In the years that followed she and her family would live in Hammond, LA, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, Maracaibo, Maracay, and Valencia, Venezuela, Coral Gables, FL and, most recently in Decatur, GA. Wherever she was, America was a lively conversationalist and a fantastic storyteller with an infectious laugh and vibrant personality. Her cooking was renown among her friends and family, especially her arroz con pollo, paella, and Cantonese steamed fish and soup. The sound of bolero and zarzuela music filled her homes. Most importantly, though, her unshakable love and generosity infused her relationships. She is a deeply loved Mommy, Abuela, Bisa, neighbor, friend. The beauty of her spirit has made its mark on anyone who knew her.

America was the matriarch of our family. She now passes that role to the next generation of women who will carry forth her legacy in their hearts. America is survived by daughters Adele Lau Rossetti Morosini of Poughkeepsie, NY and husband Sergio A. Rossetti Morosini and Laura E. Caragol of Atlanta, GA and husband Ernest Caragol; grandchildren Ana Rossetti-Sloan of Chicago, IL and husband Damon Sloan, Marina Peterson Pappas of Madison, CT and husband Gregory Pappas, and Sergio E. Rossetti Morosini; great-grandchildren William Pappas, Philip Buechele-Sloan, and Warren Rossetti-Sloan; niece Monica Chian of Decatur, GA, husband Craig James, and son Lucas James, and nephew Ernest R. Lau of Durango, CO, wife Kathleen (Campana) Lau and children Joshua Lau, Lauryn (Lau) McWhirter, and Taylor Lau; and many more loving family and friends.

In addition to her parents, America was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Juan Dionisio Lau and her brother, Alfredo Chian.

Donations may be made in her name to the National Shrine of St. Jude, Claretian Missionaries, The St. Jude League, 205 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60606.

A celebration of America's life will take place at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, 2773 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur, GA 30033. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 20 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and the funeral will begin with a service in the chapel on Saturday, January 21 at 11:00 a.m.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.

America, thank you. Your life has been a gift to each of us. Rest in peace.



Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033