Pamela Hoon Hwee Tan Kay

December 23, 1941 – December 29, 2024

Pamela Tan Kay was born on December 23, 1941 in Hsipaw, Shan state, Burma, to parents Ong Say Chew and Tan Soo Gok, both of Chinese descent.

Growing up, Pamela contributed to her family by playing a large role in raising her younger siblings. As a young woman, she graduated from the University of Rangoon with a degree in botany. In 1968, Pamela married Chiu-San Kay, who trained as a doctor in Rangoon. The couple emigrated to Hong Kong. There she learned Cantonese and gave birth to her two children, Karen Nai Man (born September 24, 1970) and Kerry Nai Pan (born September 10, 1977).

In Hong Kong, Pamela explored and deepened her Buddhist faith and practice and became involved at her local Tibetan Buddhist temple, where she met her spiritual guide, Angela Tang, with whom she remained close for the rest of her life.

Pamela and her children emigrated to San Francisco in 1989, in advance of the handover of Hong Kong to China. They moved to pursue greater educational and economic opportunities for the children. Chiu-San, working as a physician in a Hong Kong hospital, stayed behind to support the family. Pamela lived in Daly City where she raised their children. While the children were young, she trained in real estate, and was an accomplished cook in both Chinese and Burmese cuisine. Her life centered on her children, her family, and a circle of friends.

After her children were grown, she took yoga classes, continued to play mahjong with her friends and family, and took floral arranging classes.

Her later life was punctuated by the great joy of becoming a grandmother to Arlen Ng (born February 3, 2014).

She is preceded in death by her brother, Yu Ren Chen, and son-in-law, Kerwin Ng.

She is survived by her husband, Chiu-San Kay, daughter, Karen, son, Kerry, her grandson, Arlen, her brother: Yu Li Chen, and her sisters: Fen Min Chen, Fen Rong Chen, and Fen Lun Chen.