Bambi Nancy Shen passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2016 at the age of 76. Bambi was born Dec 26, 1939 in Saigon, Vietnam to father Tsu-hsun Shen and mother K’e-chen (Kuo) Shen. Her father was an Ambassador of the Chinese Government and was stationed at many different locations throughout her life, including Tahiti and Africa. At the age of three, Bambi and her family were interred in a Japanese Concentration Camp during WWII. After the war, she attended French preparatory schools in Vietnam and was training to become an Olympic high jumper. Abiding by her parent’s wishes, she gave up her dream of the Olympics and came to the United States in 1954 to pursue a higher education. She attended St. Catharine’s College in St. Catharine’s, KY, and completed her degree at Siena College in Memphis, TN. Later, she earned her Master’s Degree in French Literature at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
Bambi owned the Chinese restaurants, Bambi’s Kitchen and The Golden Palace. She was also a tour guide for Rural Route International, leading tours to China, France, Italy, and many others. Bambi also spent 9 years taking care of her Mother in Taiwan during the last years of her life.
In 1995, Bambi married Gene Foster. With Gene’s love and support, Bambi authored The Uncrushable Rose, a memoir of her life. She participated in many philanthropic and cultural groups, including The Zonta Club and The Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation. She was an active member of the UMKC Alumni group and Sister Cities. She was a founding member of Homes from the Heart, a non-profit organization dedicated to building houses for homeless families in El Salvador. Bambi was invited to speak at conferences both locally and around the world on topics ranging from women’s empowerment and equality to her life story. In addition, Bambi offered translation services to St. Luke’s and KU Medical Centers for patients who did not speak English. Bambi was fluent in Mandarin Chinese, French, English, and Spanish, and was able to communicate in Italian, German, and Cantonese.
Bambi was an active member of Unity Temple on the Plaza since 1974.
She is survived by her husband, Gene Foster of Kansas City, MO, son Gregory and wife Cindia Cole of Athens, GA, son Michael Cole and Lara Schulz of Woodstock, GA., brother Max Shen and wife Rhonda of Reno NV, and step-son Scott Foster of Kansas City MO. And grandchildren, Ryan & Rachel Cole and Shawn Cole.
Memorial services will be held March 5, 2016 at Unity Temple on the Plaza, 707 W 47th St. Kansas City, MO 64112. Visitation will begin at 12pm with services beginning at 1pm, reception to follow.
Gene I’m so sorry for your loss, she was an amazing woman. We will all miss her so much.
Gene – I was shocked to learn of Bambi’s passing. She was a most extraordinary and accomplished woman, and an inspiration and a friend to many. She will be much missed. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Bambi was a wonderful gift to me throughout the years we’ve known each other. And, she was truly a blessing to all whose lives she touched–particularly those of us who worshipped with her at Unity Temple on the Plaza. I will miss her beautiful, warm and welcoming smile. She was an inspiration and a joy to be around. I know that she has found her own “peace in every step” that she wished for everyone she encountered. And, Gene, I hope you know how much you are loved. As a member of your UT family, I offer my prayers, blessings and compassion. As scripture tells us, “weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” It is that joy that brings total peace. That is my prayer for you and all of the family.
Gene, I knew you from the dog park, as you would bring your Sammies and I had my Newfie boy and AlleyKat (rescue mutt) back in the day. Your dogs would make my day as I heard them cresting the hill in your car with them singing their happiness.
When Bambi was working on her book, she brought mock ups of the cover to the Park where we all weighed in. She sat next to me at a dear friends funeral at All Souls maybe 5 years ago. Bambi was a revered soul. I hope to see you tomorrow, but I know you are heart broken…
Dear Gene, word of Bambi’s death reached us at St. Catharine College in St. Catharine, KY where Bambi was a student. We are very impressed at the richness of her life. Sincere sympathy to all your family.
Bambi’s gentle spirit was a pleasure to be near. I always enjoyed listening to her stories and points of view at potluck dinner conversations. Her housing charity achieved more I think than some big charities that had millions of dollars in donations for rebuilding Haiti and other locations. I had looked forward to sharing her wisdom for years to come, so sad she is gone from this world.
We have lost sight of yet another star in our beautiful sky. I will cherish those times with and lessons from Bambi for my entire life. Now, we must tend to those yet present. Gene, please take care of your path thru life for we are all special with a message to share and a light to shine.
I knew Bambi years ago and just fell in love with her again after reading her book. In fact, I know of a book club discussing it Monday night! I will share this sad news with them. I’m glad she finally found true happiness with Gene.