Following her marriage to Charles Gee Gong, Lan immigrated to the United States in 1949. They lived briefly in San Francisco and Tulare before settling in Madera where she was a resident for 67 years prior to moving to Clovis in 2016. Lan and Charles owned and operated Madera Food Center and Madera Food Mart for 38 years; they were also the proud parents of seven children whom they encouraged to obtain university degrees and pursue professional careers. “Charlie” predeceased her in 1996.
Lan embodied the typical immigrant story and the American dream. She obtained her US Citizenship in 1963; learned to drive, and ensured her children had opportunities that she never dreamed possible. While living in Clovis, she attended Fresno Gospel Christian Church and was baptized a Christian on her 88th birthday in 2019.
She is survived by seven children: Susan Odelson; Frances Gong; Jeanne Gong; May Gong Chan; Evelyn Gong; Michael Gong; Gaile Gong; and six grandchildren.
Donations in memoriam may be made to City of Madera Parks & Community Services – Senior Services at 701 East 5th Street, Madera, CA 93638 or Fresno Chinese Gospel Church 2145 E Teague Avenue, Fresno, CA 93720.
