Lai Lun Gin passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on July 3, 2025, in her home in Sherman Oaks, California. She was surrounded by her family and her caregivers.

Lai Lun was born in Guangdong, China, and immigrated to Santa Barbara after marrying Hon Koy Gin in a ceremony in Hong Kong in 1956.

Once settled in Santa Barbara, she and Koy were instrumental in bringing her parents and her two brothers to the United States, where they all flourished.

With two young children at home, and still putting in time at the family’s Yat Sun Laundry, Lai Lun set about furthering her education, first at Santa Barbara City College, then at UCSB.

She graduated in 1974 from UCSB with a master’s degree in mathematics and a minor in physics.

After graduating, Lai Lun taught math at Ventura College, a position that provided her with fond memories and stories that lasted a lifetime.

Lai Lun then went on to a long and distinguished career as a software engineer, first at GE Tempo and Raytheon in Santa Barbara, before excelling at Northrop Grumman in Woodland Hills, California.

She became a valuable and integral member of teams that worked on radar and navigation systems. Her work was a vital part of her life, bringing her immense pride and satisfaction until her retirement in 2010 at the age of 74.

Lai Lun was a devout Christian, and enjoyed worship, singing hymns, bible study, and being in community with her church friends. She and Koy were long time members of the Chinese Evangelical Free Church of Santa Barbara.

When they moved to Oak Park, California, they found a new home at the Community Christian Alliance Church in Granada Hills.

Lai Lun was preceded in death by her husband, Hon Koy; her parents; and her brother, Chun Ying.

She is survived by her sons, Lance and Byron (Patty Jenkins); brother JamesYu (Agnes); nephews Edmund Yu, David Yu (Linda), Jackson Yu, and Winson Yu; nieces Elaine Yu (Arnold) and Diana Yu; and sisters-in-law Tina Yu and Beverly Gin.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 16, at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.