1930 – 2020
Maria was born in Canton, China, daughter of Lee Hon Hing and Chin Pui Wah. She has 1 brother and 5 sisters. She was married to Thomas Cheung in 1944. Together, they have 6 children: Augustine (Fee-Wah), Lucia (Warren), Peter (Peggie), John (Kathy), Teresa (Ed), and Joseph (Sy); 14 grandchildren: Angela, Stephanie, Calvin, Cynthia, Renee, Bryan, Melody, Carol Ann, Christopher, Tiffany, Jeffrey, Samantha, Hannah, and Amilia; and 13 great grandchildren: Caleb, Sophie, Elizabeth, Kenneth, Elliot, Ayla, Kai, Mikah, Benjamin, Katherine, Max, Evan and Ryu.
Maria was shy but curious. She loved to travel and to explore different food wherever she went. The life goal of Maria and Thomas was to make sure their family was protected, successful and happy. She loved everyone in her family equally, deeply and unconditionally. She was kind and selfless to many. She took care of her parents, her relatives and her friends whenever and whatever she can. She was loved by many in return.
Maria graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She taught elementary school while raising her 6 children who each studied and obtained advanced degrees in the United States. In 1977, She and Thomas retired and joined their children in U.S. Together, they started the Tung Bor Restaurant which became a local favorite. But their focus was always on friends and family. After Thomas passed away in 2008, she became the family matriarch and was loved and cared for by her family. She enjoyed monthly family gatherings and just recently had her 90th birthday celebration attended by all from all over the country. She will be sorely missed.
