Mary Mar Fong, a beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2017 at the age of 93. She was born in Bak Sai, Toisan, China on October 11th, 1923. At only three months of age, her family made the long perilous journey from China across the Pacific to the United States settling in the Central Valley of California. She spent her childhood in Fresno and, as a teenager, moved to Stockton, California where she graduated high school.
Mary met the love of her life, Ralph Fong Sr. in 1945 and the two married in September 1946. Berkeley, California, would become their lifetime home where they raised their three children Mary Christina, Russell, and Ralph Jr. She was married for 64 wonderful years to Ralph, who passed away in 2010. Though Dad was gone, Mom continued on to enjoy experiences with her children, grandchildren, and her great-granddaughter, Alexis.
Mom was a firm believer in fighting for those less fortunate than her. Her spirit and tenacity to accomplish difficult things while a having the compassion for others rings true for all those who she touched in her life.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary (“Tina”) Fong/Walker and her sons, Russell Fong, and Ralph Fong Jr.; their respective spouses: Jim Walker, Marie Lam Fong and Mary Ciprazo Fong; her loving grandchildren: Shanna Fong, Erin Fong and Jordan Fong; and the never ending source of delight, her great-granddaughter Alexis Fong Cash.
Friends and family are invited to the Sunset View Mortuary Chapel, top of Fairmount Avenue, in El Cerrito, California for a viewing Saturday, March 25th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and for a Memorial Service, Sunday, March 26th at 12:30 PM.