Gaik Meng Chan

Gaik M. Chan, 66, of Novato, died from complications due to Parkinson’s disease at home with her family by her side on 29th July 2015. Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, she was the youngest of Ooi Boon Chin and Quah Chai Lean’s 9 children. She met her husband, Charles, while teaching home economics at Sekolah Tun Fatimah and they married in Canada in 1983, where her son, Matthew, was born. After moving to Novato in 1992, Gaik became active in the Marin community though volunteering at local elementary and middle schools, taking classes at the College of Marin, working at CSW Stuber-Stroeh and finally at the Bank of Marin in community relations.

A gifted chef, artist and quilter, Gaik had the attitude, skills, and resourcefulness to take on any project from authentic Nonya meals, ceramics pieces, to queen-sized, Cal “Go Bears!” themed quilts. A beloved wife, mother, and community member, her optimism and caring nature will be sorely missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, her son, brothers Eng Choe and Eng Aun, and sisters Gaik Siew, Gaik Khim, Gaik Im, and Mary Josephine.

Funeral services, facilitated by Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin, will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Novato on Thursday, August 6 at 10:30am. A viewing will precede the mass at 10am.