MARY MAN-KAM CHUN's Obituary
Mary Chun Obituary
Mary Chun, a beloved mother, grand-mother, great-grandmother passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025 in San Mateo, California.
Mary was born in Shanghai China on Jan 1, 1935 into a large Catholic family. She was the 6* child of her mother, though dearly raised by her step-mother throughout her childhood. Mary married early at the age of 19 to Herbert (passed away in 2020 at age 99) and had two children, daughter Sylvia and son Joe.
In 1960 and in the midst of the cultural revolution, Mary and daughter Sylvia left China for Hong Kong to meet up with husband Herbert and son Joe. During her years in Hong Kong, Mary worked for Lane Crawford, a renowned department store of her time. There she mastered her skill in cosmetics, and due to her beauty and elegant style, she was chosen to represent Lane Crawford for many modeling events. Her favorite past-time was bowling and mahjong. She had a great and fun time in Hong Kong.
The family immigrated to United States in January 1971 and settled in San Francisco. Due to her impressive resume with Lane Crawford, Mary was immediately hired by Emporium and worked there for 25 years until she retired at 60 years old in 1995. For the next 30 years, Mary surrounded herself with great friends, continued her beloved mahjong game and most of all, picked up dancing as a new hobby. Mary always loved dancing, but it was not until she retired that she then found time to further her dancing skills; and met many dancing friends as such.
When Mary turned 80*h, her children threw her a big party with 100+ friends, and she had 15 dancing teachers who took turns dancing with her. It was a memorable event that she forever treasured.
Unfortunately, right before Covid, Mary fell and fractured her hip. Thanks to Dancing With The Stars, Mary got to occupy herself watching professional dancing and reconnecting with friends via Facebook (a skill which she mastered). Her other past-time was watching the Warriors and her favorite tennis players on TV. Despite her being bedridden, Mary had been well taken care of by a caretaker who was at her bedside 24/7 for 3 years. She got to eat what she loved and was often surrounded by her beloved grandkids and great grandkids, providing her happiness until the end.
Mary turned 90* on New Year day and passed peacefully in her sleep on March 9. Mary will always be remembered as graceful, soft-spoken, and well-loved.
She will be deeply missed.
What’s your fondest memory of MARY?
What’s a lesson you learned from MARY?
Share a story where MARY's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with MARY you’ll never forget.
How did MARY make you smile?