Marian Chuan and Helen Chuan, identical twins born 10 minutes apart on March 23, 1927, in Beijing, China, lived extraordinary lives dedicated to service, education and family.

As the fourth and fifth children in a family of seven, they embodied the values of generosity and compassion that would define their remarkable journey together.

In 1947, the sisters received full scholarships to Winthrop College in South Carolina, launching careers that would impact countless lives.

Marian pursued advanced degrees in clinical social work from Columbia University and Boston University School of Social Work.

She collaborated with Boston University's departments of pediatric medicine, psychology, nursing, and social work to develop the award-winning Children's Project, pioneering a "whole-child approach" for hospitalized children.

She later served as director of Support Services for Concord Public Schools in Massachusetts.

Helen earned her master's degree in nursing administration from Yale and a master's in nursing education from Boston University.

She dedicated her career to teaching nursing administration and supervising nursing students at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the University of Connecticut, later joining the founding faculty of Southern Connecticut College of Nursing.

In 1999, the sisters moved to Valle Verde retirement community in Santa Barbara, where their spirit of service flourished anew.

Helen devoted herself to creating beauty through gardening and landscaping, establishing the campus Mosaic and Rose gardens.

Marian focused her volunteer efforts on the Health Center, eventually coordinating the Best Friends program for skilled nursing residents.

As Marian eloquently expressed their complementary gifts: "Helen brings nature to the people; I provide the care. It's all from the heart." Her dedication earned her recognition as 2009 Senior Citizen of the Year for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Throughout their lives, the sisters remained vibrant and engaged, maintaining strong community ties through civic service, playing golf and tennis well into their 70s, and traveling the world together.

They cherished their father's wisdom, often sharing his teachings: "The more I give, the more I receive. Joy comes from the little things," and "The greatest gift you can give is your time."

As beloved matriarchs of the Chuan family, Marian and Helen organized frequent family gatherings and generously mentored younger generations, instilling the same values of service and compassion that guided their own lives.

Helen passed away peacefully on Nov. 30, 2023, followed by Marian on May 22, 2025. They are survived by their younger brother James Chuan, 11 nieces and nephews, and nine grandnieces and grandnephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Valle Verde team members, Aretha Curran, RN, from Assisted Home Health and Hospice; and caregivers Maria Castro and Maria Oliva from the Loving Care agency.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Chuan Garden Fund at Valle Verde through the Humangood Foundation, ensuring that Helen and Marian's legacy of bringing beauty and care to others will continue to flourish.