We will be missing Omi.  She was amazingly so strong, thoughtful and kind with so much love for her family.  Our thoughts are with you. 

I remember Omi was able to eat 2 big Whoppers, for a small petite gal with no problem finishing it and remaining so slim.
  
God Bless you all. 

With Love,
Ken and Carol

Dear Uncle Eric and Ethan,

I am writing to express my heartfelt condolences for Auntie Omi's passing.  I have been thinking of you as well as many fond memories.  I recall summer visits to Hawaii as a child when Auntie Omi used to play games & solve puzzles with me as we'd laugh and joke around.  I am thankful for these memories. 

Sending you both much love, 
Karin

Hi Eric,

I am so sorry with a heavy heart to have heard of the news of Omi from Kam Hau. My heartfelt condolences to you and Ethan and the rest of the family.  I wish I was able to make it home for her Celebration of Life.  She will always be in my heart ❤️ with beautiful memories when we were younger.  Here are a couple of my recollections my kind, fun-loving and big hearted cousin. 

Since Omi was a few years older than me, I’d mostly tag along with her when we had family gatherings.  So many fun times but can’t think of some of them at this time since I’m barely making your deadline.  

This is what I can remember while Ricky, Reynette, Reynson and I had a sleep over at Apo and Akung’s house.  After we had our dinner and it started to get dark, before we went to sleep, she asked us if we wanted to hear a spooky story.  I can’t recall what it was about but I can remember we’d gather around her and she had a flashlight under her chin shining upward while telling us a story in a spooky voice and then out came her “Boo!”.  

We had many good times spent together but without some pictures I don’t have other stories to tell of those many precious times in more words as I would like.  I will never forget her generosity and kindness when she told me she’d be my wedding photographer!  Even though that marriage ended, those wedding photos will always be treasured and close to my heart.  

Now this is our true and special cousin with her big heart and kindness for our family while Tim and I were away from the islands.  Tim may have mentioned this but I’d like to mention it again... it’s so heartfelt.  We thank her for being there for us to help my Dad while he was in the hospital, she’d tended to our Dad’s needs while she was there for a visit with him and spent countless of her time with him.  It touches my heartstrings all the time I look at my Dad’s picture and think of Omi being with him.  She is now pain free and with my Dad, Aunty and Uncle and Kenton, Apo, Akung, other family members.
Everyone is in our 💕.

Hugs to you and Ethan, take care and may God shower you both with his blessings and strength.

Love Erin and Kailee🙏💕

I didn’t really get to know Omi when we lived in our Aiea home since she was so much younger and we had to leave early for school and got home late.  Later, when I worked, I had to catch the country bus so it was the same story: left early and got home late. 

Omi never visited us at any of our assignments in the Air Force except for Japan when she and Kam Hau came and we shared some great memories.
 
It was so funny when we all chimed in at the same time with the same “oohs!” at the same things!  We all liked grilled cheese sandwiches and mom’s corn soup.  We didn’t look alike but we all had the same smile, we all enjoyed shopping and liked many of the same things when we went to the shrine sale. Even though no one would guess by our appearance, we were definitely sisters!

Once, we stopped to have coffee and pastries.  Omi insisted she would treat us.  When she did some calculations, she was shocked it was so expensive!  The exchange rate was not good back in 1995.

After we retired from the Air Force, I also remember wrapping Christmas gifts with her since she bought presents for all the cousins, nieces and nephews. Even though I told her that we didn’t need or want any gifts, she insisted that shopping and giving gave her joy so she persisted.

After her first bout with cancer in 2004, Aunty Nancy Au referred her to a stylist who donated a wig and styled it for cancer patients at no charge.  I cried as I watched him shave off her remaining hair. I accompanied Omi to free seminars for cancer patients; one was on how to do makeup and another on how to dress up with head scarves.  We also went to a lot of wig shops but she never found a wig that seemed to suit her.

In 2018, Omi had chemo once a month so I brought them dinner for the first six months.  Later, everybody was willing to help but in the fall of 2018, Omi’s chemos changed to every 2 weeks with one week off.  The schedule remained that way for 2019 and 2020. Marge, Karen, Joy and I were faithful to the family’s needs to the very end. 

I miss her dearly but I’m glad that she’s finally pain-free and resting in peace.

Geri (and Phil)

I remember being at the Maui Palms hotel decades ago, visiting family and up walks a beautiful, petite, happy, smiley Omi in white shorts with an equally smiley, handsome Eric on her arm.  It’s a picture permanently etched in my mind.  Eventually they became a family of 3.  Omi and Eric were great parents.  They were always there for Ethan. 

Our sons began riding the school bus home together at a young age and my son remembers us waiting together for Omi to pick up  Ethan. And Omi would do the same, waiting with the boys till I arrived at the bus stop. We were lucky to have each other.

Our sons were on the same soccer team one season and we remember the Chows coming to practice, cheering the team at weekly games and of course bringing snacks!

Omi & Eric always encouraged Ethan to have fun and do his best.  That was the same for school work.  Omi spent many hours making sure homework got done and providing guidance with Eric for Boy Scout activities over the years.  Omi was a doting mother and loving wife, totally devoted to both the boys in her life.

We will miss her beautiful smile.  Rest In Peace Omi.

Vicki, Chris & Nicholas Tortora

Auntie Omi’s laugh was unique and could be heard miles down the road. You could always tell when all the Aunties were all together and who was laughing. 

Growing up Auntie would come over all time to pick up food from my dad. She was always late, but she always showed up. She always had a special relationship with him. She also always took our family pictures and always knew how to get my sisters and I to smile and pay attention. 

Auntie Omi was always so thoughtful and never left anyone out for Christmas gifts. 

We love you and miss you Auntie Omi. 

Aloha,
Helena 

Li hing apples, layered Jello or some other delectable treat.  These were the things we waited for at family gatherings.  "Save room," we'd have to remind ourselves, because the Chows would be arriving soon.  They were not always late in arriving.  On occasion, they'd be the first ones there.  But more often than not, they were the last to leave.  Aunty Omi loved visiting and spending time with everyone. 

She would shop for months for the perfect Christmas gifts, and always knew exactly what she got everyone no matter how many gifts she handed out.  One Christmas, I got a little boys size swimming clothes set.  I immediately called Aunty up and she knew exactly who the gift was for and who must have gotten the gift intended for me.  When we got married, the Chows got us so many useful things that we needed and make great use of.  Pots and pans, bedding, mixing bowls to name a few.  But the gifts were just the outward expression of her love for us.

Aunty Omi had such a heart of love and generosity.  We will miss talking with her and seeing her smile.  

A hui hou, Aunty Omi. Till we meet again.

Love,
David, Rona, and Miracle Tam

Dear Omi’s Family

My sincere sympathy.
I could not say and I will not say Omi is dead.
She is just away in a
Better place where there is not pain, suffering or sorrow.
But everlasting Love.

May her memory be eternal
May God bless her soul

Tanda Shiroma


P.S.  A fun memory of Omi is that she would always wash the outside of the watermelon before she cut it up.  Guess Omi was ahead of her time preventing germs from spreading all these years!

Dear Aunty Omi,

I have been keeping you in my nightly prayers for many, many, many years and continue to do so. I have not been able to come home for almost 2 years now because of the pandemic. It has been very frustrating as I have wanted to give you as well as all my family and friends in-person hugs and kisses for so long now. But I can only continue to do that in spirit. I love you and continue to send you my love and prayers.

Love,
little Mike

My first memory of Aunty Omi is of her as a babysitter.  I was probably around 3 or 4, sitting on a mat in the front yard on Colburn Street with Reynson, Reynette, probably Erin and Ricky eating Boo Look (jabong).  Well maybe not “eating”, but learning that if you take the individual teardrop shaped pieces in your fingers, aim just right and squeeze, you could get the juice to squirt into your cousin’s eyes and everyone, including Aunty, would roll on the ground giggling uncontrollably.  I was incredibly fortunate to know her when she was still a kid.

Aunty was an artist. I remember her drawing Snoopy and Joe Cool on my cast when I was 10 or 11. People thought it was a sticker it was so good.

Aunty was a giver.  We all remember getting Christmas gifts from her.  She would spend the whole year finding just the right gift for each of us and our kids!  It’s uncanny how we still use the frying pan from a few years ago, the mouse and thumb drive from last year and have the cutting boards from two years ago.

Aunty loved food. She loved making it, she loved eating it.  I remember her sitting either at the table, or near the table.  Mounded plate, making those “ohh this is ONO” sounds.  And she would eat, slowly, savoring every bite.  Asking who made this?  What is this? Speaking of pot lucks, Aunty Omi was eventually “assigned” dessert because, what’s a pot luck if the rice arrives after everyone eats?

As I look back, yeah, the Chows were often late, but it was never about Aunty being too tired or forgetting, which would be perfectly understandable.  It was because she was busy doing something for her family, her friends, her community.  Whether it was picking up or taking Uncle Eric to the airport, Ethan’s soccer game, something at school, or a scouting event, she was busy serving others. 

Thank you, Aunty Omi, for setting an example for all of us.  We should all strive to be as loving, caring and giving a child, spouse, sibling, aunt, mom and friend you have been.

Rest in eternal love, Aunty Omi.  

You know it’s because of you that we all (Tam cousins) grew up stepping on backs!  You were the OG backstepper and we all had to live up to your skill!  And even when we’d get together and most of us had gotten too big to get on your siblings’ backs, you were always called upon to “step” because you stayed tiny!!  And they’d all get their turn.  

It’s because of you that I learned to tinker on the piano and eventually took piano lessons.  You taught me to play chopsticks and this other song that I don’t even know if it had a name.  But it was played duet style and would enjoy playing that with you.  I still remember it to this day and have taught my children to play it as well.

You were a talented photographer and I remember my photo shoot for my senior pictures.  It was in Popo’s back yard with some weeds and a wooden fence, but somehow you made the pictures look so awesome.

You were a creative artist and one of my favorite pieces you made was the m&m bag of pillows that was at Uncle Kenton and Aunty Karen’s.  Probably a fave amongst all the Tam cousins.  It was so fun to play with the mini m&m pillows and then having to put them all away in the giant m&m bag then velcroing it back up!

And we had the privilege of being pregnant at the same time - you with your first and me with my third.  We gave birth just days apart making my cousin and my son the same age!  That was a unique experience we shared.

Thank you for the memories.  May our Father in Heaven comfort Uncle Eric and Ethan during this time.  And may you rest peacefully.  I love you. ♥️♥️♥️

Aunty Omi was known for her "anal retentiveness".  She liked things "just so".  My first memory of this demonstrated was in preparing for her wedding in the 80's, when she undid each favor that wasn't done perfectly.  My more recent memory of this was when I came home to a "newly rearranged" kitchen (in Ellicott City, MD).  One can probably imagine my first reaction, especially when I couldn't find anything. 😉 And, I showed my reaction through my words and actions (grumpiness).  But in retrospect, once Uncle Eric, Aunty Omi, and Ethan left, I'm pretty sure I didn't rearrange my kitchen to its original state.  Aunty Omi had a way of seeing things differently than I did - and I found myself leaning in to what she had to say.  Rearranging my kitchen was one of the few times she "forced me" to live with her different way of thinking, but ultimately, I ended up adopting it. 

Her perfectionism and creative/different way of thinking made her the awesome graphic artist that she was.  The M&M pillows she designed and crafted, that the K. Tams were blessed to have, touched the lives of every person that visited and stayed at our house, and they will never be forgotten. 

She was a huge gift giver.  She took the time to find gifts that were useful, sometimes not-so-useful, but there was never any doubt that she put some thought into it.  And as such, every time I pull out my Hawaiian tablecloths, I cannot help but think of her.  I feel like I didn't thank her enough in my lifetime.

We are all better people because we watched you fight cancer for more years than anyone should have to.  You finally took your own independence on the 4th, and you are, thankfully, no longer in pain.  We will surely miss you, your generosity and thoughtfulness, your visits, our deeper conversations, and the noises you'd make when the food was ono. 😋 Rest in love, Aunty Omi. ❤️❤️❤️ #cancersucks

I am very sorrowful to hear about Omi’s passing.
 
Life often does not make sense and many events are painful.  But I truly believe God has plans for each of us on this earth, and when He believes our work is done, we return home to be with Him.  Omi’s diligence and dedication to Scouting has never gone unnoticed by our family and will never be forgotten.  I will always remember her generous heart, unwavering commitment and her friendship.  Having two Eagle Scouts, my family has been blessed by her goodness.  I was touched that she was able to come to Josh’s graduation event too. 

“Come to me, all who are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew11:28

Prayers & Blessings,
Nancy & Family


May God Bless you 
It is with heartfelt sadness that I compose this.  I send my deepest sympathy and prayers for you during this time.  I just want to share with you that Omi’s philosophy of “doing what is right” will always resonate with me as I fondly recall all those committee meetings we had.  There is true comfort knowing she took life on her terms and now is in the best place to be and no longer physically suffering.  I realize no words can truly do justice as to how many lives Omi has touched and served  as an inspiration to how one can fight so long against an affliction and yet still have such a beautiful and giving soul and great outlook on life.  Omi’s fight really puts things in perspective to anyone whom thinks they are having a hard life.  Her “fight on“ attitude has really inspired my outlook on life.  If I can do anything for you please do not hesitate to reach out.  I actually have helped life navigate and helped some people to deal with loss of loved ones.  May God bless you and your entire 'Ohana during this time. 

Aloha and God Bless,
Darryl 


I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Omi. I will forever remember how kind, friendly and very helpful she was in our years in Scouting. She has fought a courageous battle and your beautiful words touched my heart.  My deepest condolences and deepest sympathy. Our love and prayers are with you and Ethan. Omi will be missed and she is forever in all of our hearts. To Omi, rest in peace, love and paradise.

Love and aloha,
Linda  


Omi was one of the kindest people I have ever met.  My heart and prayers go out to you and Ethan.  I miss the great group of people that welcomed Matthew and myself into your lives.  You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. 

Walt

Auntie Omi really was just a ray of sunshine from the moment I first met her.  She was so welcoming and friendly and had the most amazing attitude and spirit. She fought so hard and I’m glad she went peacefully. I had wished she would wake up so she could say goodbye to her family but know they will all meet in again heaven when it’s time. Until then I’m sure she is watching over all of us with her unwavering happy spirit. I hope she is enjoying crossword puzzles and enjoying her full strength again in heaven.
 
Thinking of Uncle Eric, Ethan and you two ♥ ♥ 
Lots of love, 
Linda and Truc

﻿Visiting Popo & Kung Kung’s house over many summers, Aunty Omi’s room was at the end of the hall on the left.

I remember her working as a photographer at Liberty House. For fun she did a photo shoot with me - as a teenager I recall it giving me so much self-confidence. Her standards and attention to detail were very high, and you could see her disappointment if it wasn’t ‘just right’! She kept a busy schedule doing photo shoots, meeting with her friends, playing tennis, etc. Full of energy and always on the go. I couldn’t wait to be a young adult like her!

I fondly remember her and Eric driving me around in a low riding custom VW Bug, then them teaching me to drive a ‘manual’ transmission! (But in Aunty Omi’s Bug). I owe that skill (driving a manual) to both of them!

For some reason I also remember that Aunty Omi could eat! And I mean as much if not more than anyone else!
 
We miss you Aunty Omi!!

Dear Eric and Ethan,

This is Emory Au (Cousin Tim) son of Ernest (Tongie) Au. I want to express our most heartfelt condolences to you and Ethan for your loss and the entire family’s loss.

It has been many years since our families have been together so I have few recent memories to share about cousin Omi except for the fact that whenever I think of her, I see her big smile, hear her wonderful laugh, and her always effervescent personality. I’ll always have that memory of her and I am so blessed for that gift she’s given me.

But most of all, I am forever grateful for Omi’s compassion when she spent with my father before and after he was placed in hospice care when we could not. I am certain her presence comforted him immensely during that time.

We hope that Omi’s memory and love will give you and Ethan strength during this difficult time.

Much Love and Mahalo to you and the entire family.

Emory, Sandy, and Bryan Au

♥  In preparation for her wedding day with Uncle Eric, Aunty Omi took great care in the many details and was beautiful on that day

♡  Aunty Omi was always excited to see me or any of the cousins or family.  If she hadn't seen you in a long time, she would come at you waving her hands in the air, squealing, and give you  a big hug

♥  Aunty Omi was so thoughtful and generous.  Even though I live away, she would give me carefully selected Christmas gifts

♡  One of my favorite memories of Aunty Omi is Christmas Eve at the Chows with some cousins.  It was just nice spending time with her

♥  Aunty Omi was full of life, passionate, meticulous, generous, loving and thoughtful.  I am forever grateful for her life and love 

When I hear this song, I think of Aunty Omi
If You Could See Me Now
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ivM1ytYswNA

Love to you and Ethan
Sheri

Omi loved people and it was so easy to sit and chat with her. Our last chat was very special-it was about the last week and a half she was with us. We talked about hearing God and being able to speak with Him. Though it had been awhile since she had heard God’s voice, I know He was speaking to her and she was listening.  Praise God!

She loved sharing, I remember going to my first drive-in movie with Aunty Omi, The Karate Kid. She also made sure I tried all the NuSkin products. It was fun being the niece that was only around during the summer.  

When I moved here, we connected because their son, Ethan and my oldest became like brothers.  If you seen them together, they look like an old married couple.

Aunty Omi loved looking for the perfect gift for each person for Christmas. She will be missed and definitely loved deeply. 

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Naomi-Grace "Omi" Kam Sung (Tam) Chow

1 octobre 1956 – 4 juillet 2021

Hawaiian Memorial Park

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