OBITUARY Shuhao Pao March 6, 1940 – December 8, 2018 Mrs. Shuhao Pao, 78, of Houston, TX went home to the Lord on December 8, 2018. Shuhao was born in Yokohama, Japan on March 6, 1940. She was of Chinese descent and lived in a thriving multi-lingual and multi-cultural environment.
She was fluent in Japanese, Cantonese, Mandarin and English. She graduated from Ferris Women’s College, Yokohama and Tokyo University of Fine Arts, majoring in piano. She was fortunate enough to have as her mentors the two foremost Paris-trained concert pianists in Japan who were also world-renowned pianists and music critics, Madam Yuko Yamaoka and Madam Kazuko Nishikawa.
From them, she learned how to challenge herself continuously to realize to the fullest her potential as a pianist and music educator. They also instilled in her the importance of achieving the excellence as intended by the composer of each and every music composition being performed, an objective that demanded nothing less than total dedication, as well as the firm determination to persevere at all costs. In her turn as a piano teacher and music educator, she tried to instill the same in her students at the risk of being regarded as being too strict.
Shuhao dedicated her life to training many piano students and other young instrumentalists. She continuously challenged them to be examples of excellence, and in their turn to inspire others to do even more, as well as to be as creative as possible so as to even transcend what they had imagined. She was highly regarded for her passion in music and in people.
In 1987, Shuhao and her colleague and friend, Sophia Gilmson, dedicated themselves to working with the most talented young musicians that Houston had to offer by founding the Houston Young Artist’s Concert (HYAC). The mission of HYAC is to showcase highly talented young classical musicians age 4 to 18 in a variety of venues throughout the city with the hope of fostering a greater appreciation for classical music in the Houston area. Shuhao also helped launch many local piano competitions.
Moreover, she served as a judge for many competitions. Eager to share her passion for music with as many people as possible, she took students to play in outreach concerts in assisted living centers, nursing homes and hospitals. Although she was an accomplished pianist and piano teacher, she loved to sing.
However, not many people had the privilege hearing her angelic voice. Throughout her life, no matter what endeavor she undertook, Shuhao gave her whole heart and soul. She enjoyed exercising and dancing, especially zumba.
At times, she would lead the exercise classes with no stereo but with only her rhythmic counting, an approach she had found to be most useful in motivating people to keep moving their entire bodies effectively. In addition to exercising, she enjoyed cooking, so much so that she hosted many parties for which she cooked all kinds of food, especially her famous surprise lasagna with raisins. Shuhao was married to Wayne Pao for 50 years.
They have known each other since elementary school in Japan. Their love was strong with an unbreakable bond, always showing trust, respect and support for each other. Shuhao is survived by her husband, Wayne Pao, her daughter Lynn Pao, her son Shaun Pao and his fiancé Jennyfer Nguy, her sisters Mary Shukgee Hue, Shuk-Kun Hue-Kolonaty, Shu-Pin Judy Tsang, Shu-chuan Hsu; her brothers Dr. Gen-yuan Hsu, M.D.- Ph.
D and Ken-yao Hue, M.D. and her grandchildren Nicholas Pao and Liyah Nguy. In lieu of flowers, please donate to H.M.T.A. H.M.T.A.
is a local Houston Music Teacher’s Association. Join us to celebrate Shuhao’s life. Shuhao liked bright colors.
Please try not to wear all black, instead bright colors, for her celebration of life. The funeral service will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. The viewing will be on Friday 12/14/18 from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM, open view again on Saturday 12/15/18 from 8:00 AM-9:30 AM, Funeral Service from 9:45 AM-11:30 AM and the Reception will be from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM.
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