Catherine Mae Tang

She was born on December 18,1929, the daughter of Wing F. Ong and Rose W. Ong, in the back of the Golden Gate Grocery Store, the family grocery store, located at 16th Street and Van Buren Street in Phoenix. Catherine was the first of six siblings, and being the eldest, took responsibility for her younger siblings, Jack, Patsy, Madi, Rossy and Marvin, while her parents worked in the store and her father attended law school in Tucson. She graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1948.

Catherine's family moved to San Francisco in 1950, and she began her college career at UC Berkeley. She married her Chinese school sweetheart, Ying C. Tang, on July 14, 1953, and thereafter returned to Phoenix, earning her B. A. degree in Education at Arizona State College at Tempe (now Arizona State University) in 1954. She taught at the elementary school level for a year before leaving to start a family with Ying.

Although petite in stature, Catherine’s presence loomed large. She was quick-witted, generous and kind. Catherine enjoyed a remarkably active lifestyle. She loved mahjong, dog races, bingo, dominoes, travel, piano playing, dancing, fashion, television and movies, and was a relentless Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks fan. For years, her morning routine began with coffee and breakfast while poring over a crossword puzzle. Whether it was Sunday bingo and buffet lunch at the casino with family or a casual game of dominoes at her home, Catherine was always keen to fill her day with activity.

Catherine’s strength and determination was evident throughout her life. She survived breast cancer in 1993, resulting in a new lease on life. She actively supported Ying through his prolonged rehabilitation from a traumatic car accident. In her final years, she worked daily to build her strength, determined to attend her granddaughter’s wedding in December 2021 and to meet her great grandson born in September 2022. Above all else was Catherine’s limitless devotion to family. She was the consummate homemaker. Her home, always open, was a welcoming and comfortable place for family and friends to gather. Never seeking the limelight, she took joy in creating it for others. Whether a three-year-old’s birthday party, Thanksgiving Dinner or a wedding reception for hundreds, we celebrated under her loving direction.

Catherine was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, dearly loved by her family. She is survived by her son Darryl (Mae), her daughters Kimberly Natori and Celeste Tang (Peter McQuaid), her grandchildren Ryan Tang, Katrina Natori, Justin Tang, Spencer Tang, Erika Leung (Justin Leung), Maxwell McQuaid and Alexander McQuaid, and her great grandson Taj Kaizu Leung. She is also survived by her dear sister Rosalind Onodera.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in Catherine’s name to Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Arizona (P.O. Box 32865, Phoenix, AZ 85064) or Phoenix Chapter of Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA) (P.O.Box 38336, Phoenix, AZ 85069), both of which her father, Wing, was a founding member.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com for the Tang family.