Pat Wong Mah

Pat W. Mah, aged 98, was born in China on October 15, 1926, and passed away in Stockton on December 15, 2024. She is survived by her daughter Kathy Mah (Ted), daughter-in-law Miriam Mah, grandchildren Michelle Yang (Jeremy), Nathan Mah (Kimberly), and Nicholas Mah (Monica), as well as 10 great-grandchildren - Josiah, Jadon, and Judah, Eliana, Owen, Hannah, Vanessa, and Clara, Kaiden and Liam. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Mah, and her son, Norman Mah.

She is also survived by her brother Raymond Wong (Betty), their four children, Donald Wong, Faye Chow, Phillip Wong, and Jane Yee, her nephew Edgar Gee and their spouses.

Pat grew up and survived the hardships of World War II in the Taishan region of China. Allen, who had already been living in the US, returned to China and met Pat, with the two marrying in 1947. Allen returned to the US, and Pat moved to Hong Kong with their young son Norman briefly until she was able to join Allen in Stockton in 1952. Like many other women with her background, she began her American life working at Tillie Lewis Foods and other canneries, where she made many lifelong friends.

Pat eventually joined Allen at the Shadows Restaurant in Stockton, and it became a second home for generations of the Mah family. Her love of family, strong work ethic and generous service helped keep the Shadows as a favorite restaurant for many. Pat, Allen and Norman devoted themselves to the restaurant for 40 years, developing long-lasting relationships with both staff and clientele.

Outside of work, many years included a summer vacation. Pat traveled with her family all around California, Hawaii, Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Washington DC, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and many other locales. Regardless of where she went, she was always most happy at home and spending time with family, recounting stories from her past with incredible detail. Always special in her heart were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they would continue to grow the love of family.

The Mah family wishes to thank everyone for their kindness and support. Services will be held at the Chapel of Flowers at Cherokee Memorial Park, Hwy 99 at Harney Lane in Lodi, CA on Saturday, January 4, at 1pm. Please dress warmly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s name to the Wong Family Benevolent Association, the Marr Family Benevolent Association, the Chinese Benevolent Association of Stockton or Jene Wah Senior Center of Stockton.