Cathy Lau's Obituary
Cathy Lau was born in Hong Kong on September 5, 1955. She came to the U.S. in 1966 when she was 11 years old. Her family bought their first home in Oakland, California. She attended Oakland schools and later began working at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco in 1973. It was there where she met the love of her life, Tommy Lau. They married on September 8 , 1977. Soon after they welcomed their first child, Tammy on December 22, 1978 who was then followed by Terence on June 13, 1980 and lastly, Brenden on August 31, 1988. She was a loving and caring mother who worked hard to always provide and be available for her children and grandchildren. Family was the most important thing to her and that is what she lived for.She had a passion for cooking, spending time with her family, and trying her luck at the casinos. She was an exceptional chef whose meals were always delicious. Next to her husband and children, her grandchildren were the love of her life. She was so thrilled to be a grandmother and wouldn’t let a day go by without spending time with her grandchildren. Gambling was another love of Cathy’s. You could often find her with her two sisters at the casino. She loved playing card games and found joy in trying her luck with the slot machines.Cathy was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer in 2011. She was a fighter in every sense of the word and never let her illness stop her from doing what she loved. She was surrounded and supported by family and friends throughout her battle.On November 5, 2015, Cathy passed peacefully with her family by her side just as she wanted. She will always be remembered as a very strong and loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Cathy is survived by her parents Chin and Gloria Kwok, husband Tommy Lau, sisters Yanie Tom and Ivy Chu, brother Michael Kwok, children Tammy, Terence and Brenden Lau and her grandchildren Kaydan and Karmelo Inglemon and Sophia Lau.Cathy made a positive impact on the lives of many. She had a caring and loving heart and it was felt by all of those who crossed paths with her. Her contagious personality lit up any room she was in. She always put others before her and made sure everyone was happy at all times. Cathy will truly be missed and always remembered as the strong, beautiful, and loving person she was.
What’s your fondest memory of Cathy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cathy?
Share a story where Cathy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cathy you’ll never forget.
How did Cathy make you smile?

