Tributes pour in for the late Jane Lee, who owned Sumo Salad

The sudden passing of Jane Lee, who owned Sumo Salad, has led to an outpouring of condolences and tributes.

People who knew or crossed paths with her described her as "kind" and a "strong woman".

Lee passed away on Jul. 19 after alleging on Facebook that she had been a victim of a fraudulent workplace injury scheme — a claim that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating.

Remembered as 'really kind' by F&B staff

According to Shin Min Daily News, Sumo Salad's Holland Village outlet was closed when their reporters visited it on Jul. 22.

Staff of nearby shops said Lee was kind and had a good relationship with people around her: "She is really kind, everyone is very sad, especially her employees who look very sad."

Lee was said to have treated employees well, as some of those working with her have been around for more than 10 years ago.

In order to let employees rest, Lee would apparently choose to close the store during peak periods, such as holidays.

Tributes on Facebook

One of the kindest ladies

Over on Facebook, Melvin Chew, owner of the Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap hawker stall, announced Lee's passing in the Hawkers United - Dabao 2020 Facebook group on Jul. 21.

He described her as one of the kindest ladies he knew, and said she would offer help when there are hawkers or other people in need.

In another post on his personal page, Chew called Lee his "very kind and good friend".

"Like an angel"

Under Chew's Facebook group post, a commenter, Vincent Lim, said he had known Lee for about two decades.

He said she was "like an angel", including to people on the street.

"Strong"

Another commenter, who also appeared to know Lee, said she was a "strong woman" who was "not afraid to tell the truth".

Warm and sincere

Food critic and founder of Makansutra KF Seetoh said he did not know Lee very well, but remembered her to be warm and sincere when they met, and did not appear to want to rub shoulders just because of who he was.

He also shared an anecdote of Lee sending salads to a customer.

Pay it forward

Those who encountered Lee as a patron of Sumo Salad posted similar anecdotes.

Noel Png recalled going into her shop to borrow the phone in 2020, and she gave him food and money for taking the MRT.

When he offered to pay her back afterwards, Lee suggested that he buy the cleaners nearby a meal instead.

Job provider

A user known as Tutor Max shared that Lee "gave [him] delivery jobs to make ends meet" during the pandemic.

Should have met in person

Jeffrey Khoo, a Progress Singapore Party (PSP) member who ran in Marymount SMC in the 2025 general election, expressed sadness and shock.

He regretted not meeting her in person despite being Facebook friends for "many years".

Top images from Jane Lee's Facebook & Instagram