Mary F Gong

Mary Gong was a strong, loving, and generous woman who held her family together for nearly a century. She grew and nurtured a big beautiful family, traveled the world with friends and nurtured a strong community at home. Four generations of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were raised and welcomed into her home and her heart. Mary built a strong community of extended family and friends, and gave each her attention and care. Any visit she made was made special with a plan to take you out for a meal. Her sense of adventure took her traveling throughout the world, and she shared this love with her family. She appreciated a hug, words of love, beauty and sweets.

Mary Fan was born in San Francisco on April 6, 1926. She was raised by Leong Shee and Chat Fan. She had 5 brothers, Howard Choe, Richard Chow, Harold Choe, Larry Chow and Edward Chow and one sister, Rena Ong.

Mary worked at the Woey Loy Guey restaurant in Chinatown, which was owned by her god-father, who bought his meat from Gerald Gong of Tulare. Mary Fan and Gerald Gong Loh married in 1943 and moved to Tulare where they opened a meat market and later the Plaza Palace Grocery store. She was married for 65 years, raised six children and worked at the store six days a week. When asked how she was able to raise 6 kids and work tirelessly at the store, Mary jokingly replied, “I cried a lot”. In spite of some tears, she was “the best Mom ever!” as evidenced by her large and caring family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were showered with affection and visits for all of their important occasions, and know that going home for Christmas, meant going to (Great-)Grandma Mary’s house.

Mary and Gerald were some of the founders of the Central California Chinese Cultural Center in Visalia. They worked through their retirement with a tight group of friends to support their community, build a cultural center in Visalia, and maintain connections with Jerry’s village in China. Mary spent many hours with other Center members preparing delicious feasts to celebrate weddings, birthdays and more.

Mary is survived by her 6 Children and their families: Genevieve Cheu of San Rafael, Geralyne Gong and husband Mark Taylor of San Leandro, Steven Gong and wife Jun of Tulare, Terri Larson and husband Tom of Clovis, Geary Gong and wife Kathy of Tulare, Andrew Gong of Tulare. 10 Grandchildren: Jason Cheu and wife Ann of Corte Madera, Adrianne Canfil and wife MaryAnn Bulhose of Portland, Amy Larson and husband Brian Steves of Portland, Derek Cheu and wife Debbie of Madison, NJ, Ryan Larson of Las Vegas, Erin Taylor and husband Mike Rabuya of Las Vegas, Eric Gong of Tulare, Sara Gong of New York City, Brittany Gong Hansen and husband Sam Hansen of Lake Forest,and Jordan Gong of Tulare. 8 great grandchildren: Kaylee and Clark Cheu of Corte Madera, Kellen and Mason Cheu of Madison, Owen and Grace Steves of Portland, Kye Rabuya of Las Vegas and Benjamin Hansen of Lake Forest.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Central California Chinese Cultural Center, 500 Akers Road, Visalia, CA. 93277.