Mary Young Chew

CHEW, Mary Y.

Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 after facing her illness with remarkable bravery and dignity. She was 86 years young, born on October 29, 1924 in New York. Mary was preceded in death by her parents Gum Wah Lowe Young and Gum Kok Lowe Young. She leaves behind her loving husband of 56 years, Kern. Also survived by daughters Audrey (Jose), Carolyn (Richard), and son Phillip (Julie). Mary was the proud and loving grandmother of Jenna, Kristin, Caitlin, Christopher, and Jay. Also survived by many relatives and best girlfriend, Marcella Dear of New York.

Mary worked hard to put herself through college, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Fashion Merchandising at New York University. After college, she worked at Franklin Simon B. Altman and Mc Creary department stores as the buyer for children's clothing before venturing out to California.

Mary gave generously of herself. She will be best remembered for her sense of humor and empathy, giving whole heartedly to friends and family, earning herself many loyal friends. Her thoughtfulness and warmth shall be greatly missed by those lucky enough to have known this extraordinary woman.

Mary's greatest passion was travelling. She loved exploring foreign lands, meeting new people, and learning about their customs and culture. She traveled the world with her husbandchildren, grandchildren and friends. Her most special trips were the road trips when her children were young, exploring the United States and also trips with her granddaughters to Disney World, China and Japan. Mary also enjoyed Chinese dinners with her family and friends, cooking, baking, fishing, sewing, and outings with girlfriends for lunch, movies, and bargain shopping. Her last message to all: 'Smile always, laugh loudly, love everyone, and be happy.'

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 21st from 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. at Harry A. Nauman & Son, 4041 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95822. 'Celebration of Life' Services on Monday, August 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95819. Private interment at East Lawn Cemetery with immediate family. Dinner to follow at Rice Bowl Restaurant, 2378 Florin Rd., Sacramento, CA 95822.

Remembrances in Mary's memory may be made to the following (please specify 'In memory of Mary Y. Chew'): Asian Community Center, 7311 Greenhaven Dr., Suite 187, Sacramento, CA 95831; Shriners Hospital for Children, Attn: Development Office, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817; or Sacramento Scottish Rite Language Center, 6151 H St., Sacramento, CA 95819.