The Lichfield community is mourning the loss of a beloved takeaway owner who left a poignant farewell message to her customers from her hospital bed.
A Final Message of Thanks
Jennifer Sung, the cherished proprietor of Lombard Chinese takeaway on Lombard Street, penned an emotional note to her loyal customers while undergoing cancer treatment. The message, now displayed in her shop window, expressed her deep gratitude and asked customers to remember her with a smile.
The 73-year-old businesswoman, who had run her establishment for more than three decades, passed away suddenly on November 5 after a short battle with cancer, according to her family.
A Community Institution
Jennifer opened Lombard takeaway over 30 years ago, and it quickly became a cornerstone of the Lichfield community. Her sister Yen described Jennifer as bubbly, generous, active, fun-loving and humble, adding that she never judged anyone and genuinely cared about people.
Many staff members considered Jennifer like a second mother, particularly younger employees she helped with work experience opportunities. Her family revealed that Jennifer had been looking forward to travelling the world in retirement.
A Legacy of Care and Commitment
Despite her family's encouragement to take more breaks, Jennifer always prioritized her customers. She would insist she couldn't let them down as they would miss their regular takeaways.
In her final message, Jennifer wrote: My very dear customers and friends, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you've given me in making Lombard a flourishing business over so many years.
She assured customers that her staff would maintain the same commitment to quality food and service, expressing total confidence in them. Jennifer concluded by saying: perhaps you'll remember me a little and smile about the wonderful conversations we had when you enjoy your meal.
Roheem Ali, a delivery driver for the takeaway, described Jennifer as an amazing person that words can't describe, noting that she never had children and considered the business her child.
Following her passing, Facebook was flooded with tributes from heartbroken customers who remembered Jennifer's warmth and the personal touch she brought to every interaction.
