Marie K.T. Pang

Marie was born to Chong Tai Soong Lee and Kui Chin Lee on September 27,1931, in a farming community in Guangzhou, China. She was raised by a granduncle until her escape from war in China. She moved to Macau in 1948.

Marie’s father was already a US citizen living in Hawaii. Her mother was able to immigrate to Honolulu, Hawaii in 1948. Marie experienced a delay of over 3 years. It was during this trying period that she learned English, formed lifelong friendships at the Sacred Heart Covent of Macau and solidified her faith in God. She was baptized into the Catholic church in March of 1951. She prayed reverently for the US consulate to approve her immigration visa. That day came in late August of 1952. She was finally able to reunite with her family in Honolulu.

Throughout her life, Marie had a deep belief that all things could be accomplished through the faith of God, with hope and love to follow. After graduating in from Kaimuki High School in 1954, she helped expand her mother’s jewelry business while completing a certificate program at the Canon Business College. She worked for 40 years at Universal Motors and Hickam Air Force Base commissary. While working at the commissary, she received annual commendation awards for her dedication and leadership to the commissary system. She was awarded the Employee of the Year by Senator Daniel Inouye for her leadership quality.

Her heart was generous to all she knew. She created her own “Ohana” to share in herwealth. No one would or could escape a visit to Marie’s without an armful --not a handful-- of mangos, avocadoes, soursop or pomelo to take home. She loved and enjoyed raising her children and her grandchildren and showering them with her affection. She was very proud of seeing all her grandchildren graduate from high school and transition into adulthood.

In her late golden years, Marie participated in several Chinese exercise groups with her husband and developed strong friendships and community. She and her husband traveled the world with her Chinese exercise group of friends and enjoyed many adventures together. She continued to build a strong and loving friendship and community at St. Patrick’s Church and in her neighborhood. She had attended St. Patrick’s Church for over 50 years. Members of her church at St. Patrick’s recognized her absence at the Sunday mass a week after her passing.

Marie is preceded in death by her parents Kui Chin Lee and Chong Tai (Soong) Lee of Honolulu, Hawaii. She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, three daughters and their husbands, five grandchildren, her younger brother and maternal aunt.

She lived a long life believing: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:13.” She would want us to carry on and “keep the faith.”

Memorial service will be held on August 15, 2024 at 10:30am at the Borthwick Mortuary 1330 Maunakea Street Honolulu, HI 96817 with light refreshments to follow.