Forest Lawn Memorial Park Glendale

Overview

Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California is a historic memorial park established in 1906, renowned for its artistic monuments, gardens, and beautiful landscapes. It serves as the final resting place for Jesse and Betty Chan.

Significance to Family

Burials

Jesse Chan

• Died: August 9, 2022 in Los Angeles, California
• Section: Column of Freedom
• Map #: ELA0
• Lot: 0
• Space: 5976 A

Betty Chan

• Died: November 9, 2022 in Alhambra, California (3 months after Jesse)
• Burial location: Presumably near Jesse (details to be confirmed)

Life Journeys Completed

Jesse Chan (died 2022)

Journey: Philippines (birth-3) → Hong Kong → Fujian (WWII) → Shanghai → Manila (1950s-1968) → Taipei (1968-1990) → Los Angeles (1990-2022) → Forest Lawn

Life:

• WWII survivor (befriended Japanese colonel)
• Multilingual (7 languages)
• Entrepreneur (nightclub, real estate, import/export, bakery)
• Father of four university graduates (all scholarships)
• Grandfather of eight

Betty Chan (died 2022)

Journey: Daet (1935-1940) → wartime refuges → Manila (1940s-1968) → Taipei (1968-1990) → Los Angeles (1990-2022) → Forest Lawn

Life:

• WWII survivor (fled Japanese multiple times)
• Mathematics graduate (1956)
• Payroll Supervisor, teacher, choir director
• “By the Grace of God” - faith through displacement
• Mother of four university graduates
• Grandmother of eight

Historical Context

Forest Lawn Memorial Park

Established: 1906 Known for:

• Beautiful gardens and landscaping
• Artistic monuments and sculptures
• “Memorial park” concept (parklike rather than cemetery-like)
• Final resting place for many notable figures
• Multiple themed sections (Column of Freedom, etc.)

Column of Freedom Section:

• Jesse Chan’s burial location
• Patriotic theme
• Honors American freedom and democracy
• Fitting for immigrants who chose America

Immigration Stories Concluded

Forest Lawn represents the final destination for Jesse and Betty Chan’s immigration journey:

From Philippines:

• Jesse and Betty: Philippines → Taiwan → USA
• Children’s generation continued to USA universities
• Grandchildren born in USA

American Dream Realized:

• Both came from modest or difficult circumstances
• Both raised highly educated children
• Both saw grandchildren thrive
• Both died in peace in adopted country

Legacy

What They Gave Their Descendants

Jesse and Betty Chan:

• Educational emphasis (all 4 children to elite universities with scholarships)
• Entrepreneurial spirit (multiple businesses)
• Resilience through displacement
• Faith (“By the Grace of God”)
• Cultural bridge (Chinese-Filipino-American identity)

Three Generations

Generation 0 (Jesse and Betty buried at Forest Lawn):

• Survived WWII, Depression, displacement
• Built successful lives despite barriers
• Raised accomplished children

Generation 1:

• Rose Loui (attorney) and siblings
• Professional success across board

Generation 2:

• Nicholas, Ryan, Samantha Loui and cousins
• American-born stability
• Beneficiaries of grandparents’ sacrifices

Memorial Visits

Forest Lawn likely serves as place for:

• Family gatherings on anniversaries
• Qingming Festival (Chinese tomb-sweeping)
• Memorial Day
• Other family occasions
• Connecting with ancestors

Together in Death

Jesse and Betty:

• Married 1957 (65 years together)
• Died within 3 months of each other (August and November 2022)
• Together in death as in life
• Completed journey from wartime Asia to peaceful California

Research Questions

• Exact burial location for Betty Chan (near Jesse?)
• Are there headstones? What do they say?
• When were burial services held?
• Who attended funerals?
• Family visits to Forest Lawn?
• Are there family plots for future generations?
• Photos of gravesites?
• Any inscriptions in Chinese characters?