Joan Pao's Obituary
Joan Pao, MD (Hsu)Resident of Hillsborough and CupertinoWith great sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Joan Pao on August 3, 2012– beloved mother, grandmother, friend and loving pediatrician to a generation of children at Kaiser-Permanente, South San Francisco.Dr. Joan Pao was born May 25, 1920 in Yangzhou, China, the city made known to Europeans by the tales of Marco Polo. She was a 33rddirect descendant of 'Gung Pao' a Song Dynasty judge renowned in Chinese opera for his Solomonic wisdom. Home schooled as a young girl, yet defined by her roots and genuine humanity, she went to medical school in western China during the Japanese occupation in WWII. It was there that she met Henry En-Hung Hsu, then in the diplomatic school. They married in Nangking, China in 1946 at war's end, then came to San Francisco in 1948, where Henry Hsu was posted as the Vice Consul General. Henry passed away in 1987 at the age of 70.Learning English only after arriving in San Francisco, Joan nevertheless achieved mastery to pass the Ca State Medical bar exam in 1956, complete residency in pediatrics then join Kaiser 'Permanente in South San Francisco in 1958, where she was one of the first four full-time pediatricians. Known as 'mama' to many colleagues, she was known for her great smile, astute diagnostic abilities, and listening skills. She retired in 1981. Joan raised four children, Charlene, Charlotte, Marian and Frank. She was proud of them all, as well as her children-in-law and seven grandchildren: Kimberly and Kristin, Alyssa, Emily and Michael, and Harrison and Kaitlin. She is survived by them all, as well as a sister and nephews who have subsequently come to the United States from China, and excelled.Long a member of the Fellowship Bible Church in Belmont, CA, Joan relished her friends there and Bible study classes. She was deeply appreciative of her many friends' visits to her during her later years.We will miss Joan's elegance, kindness, beautiful smile, and gentle manner. A private family burial service is being held on August 10. Joan's Memorial Service Saturday, August 11 at 11 AM at the Fellowship Bible Church at 2710 Ralson Ave, Belmont. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Fellowship Bible Church .
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