Jennifer Sung wrote a note - now pinned to her Lombard Chinese premises - from hospital bed as she was treated for cancer
08:30, 16 Nov 2025
A Chinese takeaway owner left a touching note to her customers bidding them 'farewell' and thanked them for their love and support before she suddenly passed away.
Lombard owner Jennifer Sung, who was said to have been "like a mum" to her staff, opened her takeaway in Lichfield more than 30 years ago.
The Lombard Street shop quickly became an institution in the community and proudly served hundreds, if not thousands, of families across generations.
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Jennifer, who had hopes of travelling the world in retirement, sadly passed away suddenly aged 73 on November 5 after a short cancer battle, her family said.
Her sister, Yen, described Jennifer as "bubbly", "generous", "active", “fun loving” and “humble”. Jennifer "really cared about people" and “was never judgemental”, said Yen.
She told BirminghamLive: "Staff that used to work for her have said she was like a second mum to them. Especially the younger ones who she helped with work experience opportunities."
Over the years, Jennifer’s nieces and nephews came from all over the world (Liverpool, Canada, Hong Kong, Brunei, Australia) to lend a hand in her shop during school holidays. They were welcomed into her takeaway-family and inspired by her tireless spirit, generosity and love of good food.
Jennifer's family would regularly encourage her to take longer breaks from work but she would, ultimately, always put her customers first.
Yen said: "She would say, 'no, I can’t let my customers down as they will miss their regular takeaway', and 'I need to be there for them'. Jennifer genuinely cared - that's her legacy."
Jennifer, from her hospital bed, got to work on a message for her customers, encouraging them to continue supporting the shop.
The note, which has since been placed in the takeaway's window, says: "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.
"Lombard has been my pride, love, and joy and what I have cherished most is my relationship with all my regular customers.
"While I can no longer run my shop, please be assured that all my staff at Lombard remains the same, with the same commitment to continue giving you good food and excellent service - I have total confidence in them.
"If you like our food, I hope you will continue to support Lombard in my absence and help it to grow from strength to strength and...perhaps you'll remember me a little and smile about the wonderful conversations we had when you enjoy your meal."
Jennifer bid her customers "farewell" before she began her "journey to another place".
Roheem Ali, who delivers for the takeaway, said Jennifer was an "amazing person that words can't describe".
"She never had children," said Roheem. "Her business was her child."
Facebook was flooded with tributes to Jennifer following her sad passing.
Joy Fielding wrote: "God bless you Jen. Such a pleasure and honour to have called you my friend."
Linda Whitehead added: "So very sorry to hear this. Jenny was the heart and soul of Lombard - our favourite Chinese. She knew all of us by name when we phoned and it made us feel so special. She truly will be missed."