Madeline Chan

Madeline Chan passed away at the age of 99½ on June 6, 2025 with her son Wiley by her side. Madeline was born Kwan May Hong in the village of Chik Hom, Guangdong Province, China, on December 22, 1925, with one sister and two brothers as siblings. She attended teaching and accounting schools, and began teaching at elementary school in nearby Bok Hop, spending summers in Hong Kong with her sister and her husband (Aunt Laura and Uncle Hin).

She met and married Richard Chan in 1948, settling in Detroit, Michigan, to start a family, ultimately raising six children. She was primarily a homemaker, but after the nest became empty, she worked as a server at Empress Gardens, a Chinese restaurant in Southfield, Michigan, for many years. In 2008, 20 years after Richard’s retirement from the automotive industry, they moved to a retirement community in Happy Valley, Oregon, where they formed many friendships and enjoyed many activities and excursions, as well as frequent visits by their children. Richard passed away on October 1, 2017 at the age of 95½.

Madeline is survived by her six children: Vincent (Kerstin), Arlo (Virginia), Wiley (Minh-Chau), Michael (Helen), Bruce (Toni) and Carrie; six grandchildren, Eric (Janette), Wyatt, Nathan (Hollyann), Moon, Linley and Laine; and one great grandson, Calvin, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Madeline was proud of all of her children and would do anything she could to help in any way. Her favorite pastimes were knitting and crocheting, almost continuously working on a new sweater, scarf, hat or blanket. However, she was happiest when cooking for her family, both when raising her kids or when any of them were visiting.

A private family Celebration of Life will take place later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Red Cross in her name.