Cheryl Chow (May 24, 1946 – March 29, 2013) was an American educator and politician.
Early life
Chow was born in Seattle, Washington, on May 24, 1946. Chow's father was Edward Shui "Ping" Chow (November 5, 1916 – June 29, 2011), who received U.S. Citizenship after he was discharged from United States Army. Chow's mother was Ruby Chow, who served as a King County Councilwoman, the first Asian American elected to that council.
Chow's maternal grandparents were Chinese immigrants who had come to the United States to work on the railroad lines.[1]
Chow's parents were also restaurant owners of the famous Ruby Chow's restaurant, where Bruce Lee once worked.[2]
Besides being a teacher and principal, Chow also coached girls' basketball for the city parks and recreation department.
After 1997, Chow was a principal of her alma mater Franklin High School and of Garfield High School.[3]
Political career
From 1990–97, she served on the Seattle City Council.[4] She decided not to run for reelection to her council seat in 1997, and instead run for Seattle mayor where she would fail to make it past the primary.[5][6]
In 1999, Chow ran for Seattle City Council in Position 1 after council member Sue Donaldson decided not to run for office. Her main opponent was a political newcomer, Judy Nicastro who Chow outraised by over $12,000.[7] Chow would narrowly lose the November General Election to Nicastro, 49.51% to 50.49%.[8]
In 2005, Chow was elected to the Seattle School Board when the district saw increasing school closures and instability.[3] She served until 2009 and became School Board President during her tenure.[4]
Personal
Cheryl Chow, September 2012, about 6 months before her death
Chow came out as a lesbian in August 2012. On March 16, 2013, less than two weeks before her death, Chow married her partner, Sarah Morningstar. Together, they have a daughter, Liliana Morningstar-Chow.[3]
Death
Cheryl Chow died of central nervous system lymphoma, aged 66, in Seattle, Washington and was survived by her wife, Sarah Morningstar, and several brothers and half-brothers.[9][10]
