Michael Jala Maran's Obituary
On Monday, December 30 2019, Michael Jala Maran, loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age 85. Michael was born on November 27, 1934, in the Northern Shan State of Howa in Burma to Howa Du Wa Maran Hkun Hpung and Dujan Lamai Seng Jam.
He married the love of his life, Felicia Tanedo, on June 28, 1957 and raised Deborah, Robert, Vanessa, and Christina. Michael is a Graduate of St. Joseph’s College in Darjeeling, India and holds an International Law degree from Tokyo and Waseda University, Japan. Michael was the Executive Director of the Pan Kachin Development Society and author of “Quest for Freedom: A Kachin-American Experience.” Michael dedicated his life to the service of the Kachin people’s struggle for self determination. His journey from escaping the jungles of Burma in 1962 during General Ne Win’s coup to being jailed in Thailand for years for his fight for freedom led him to exile and eventual political asylum in the United States in 1974. Michael was a devout Catholic and fitness fanatic. He is survived by his wife; three children and their spouses, Erlinda, Scott, and Joe; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo at 11:00 am. If you wish to make a donation to Felicia and the family in Michael's memory, please make the donation in the name of Christina DeVito.
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