Condolence
Dr. Hajjah Rosey Ma-Wang Luo Li passed away peacefully at her home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday, 2nd December 2022, after a 2.5-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 72.
She was laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Islamic Cemetery in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 3rd December 2022, surrounded by family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fatma and Jelaluddin Wang, half-siblings, and husband Capt. Haji Nasir Ma Lee.
Born in China, Dr. Rosey Ma spent her early childhood in Pakistan. She was later raised in Istanbul, Turkiye where she received a French education. She went on to study Diplomacy and Political Science from the National Chengchi University in Taiwan, and later earned a French language teaching certificate in France.
She moved to Malaysia in 1973 with her late husband, where she lived and raised their six children.
Dr. Rosey Ma then continued her education, receiving a Master’s in Education, specializing in Guidance and Counseling from the International Islamic University Malaysia, and later a PhD in Socio-Anthropology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Her research and field of interest in ethnic Chinese Muslim Diasporas contributed to pioneering references on the subject. She also taught for several years at Fatih and Boğaziçi Universities in Istanbul.
She leaves behind her children from her late husband: son, Ismael Ma; daughters (and sons-in-law) Fareea (Kenneth Kassem), Yasmeen (Michael Stills), Nasreen (Azlan Zainal Abidin), Shukreen (Fairul Reeza) and Reyhan (Randell Albertson); and six beloved grandchildren.
She also leaves behind loving husband Terry Hord Little, three step-sons, seven siblings and their families across Turkey, Taiwan, the USA, Mexico, Australia and Europe.
Rosey will be greatly missed and remembered for her grace and gentleness, as well as her engaging conversations on books, culture, language and history.
Her family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude for the many well wishes, kind words, thoughts and prayers sent during this difficult time.
