Cecilia Chiu Ngao Cheung's Obituary
Cecilia Cheung (nee Tang) was born in Hong Kong on January 23, 1940. She was the third of seven siblings, and considered the “big sister” in the family, being eldest of the girls.Being brought up during war times, she was a late starter in formal education. Yet she excelled whilst a student at St Rose of Lima’s. Family conditions did not allow her to continue her schooling at age 14, when she had to work to support her family. However, her strive for progress led her to completion of secondary education through evening schooling. Upon graduation, she joined Gilman’s in Hong Kong, and her excellence and diligence in work gained high appreciation of her superiors.In 1963, Cecilia met Wilson Cheung, whose passionate pursuit led to their marriage by the year’s end. Together they built a happy family through their love for each other, lasting for over half a century. They have been blessed with their two children Erik and Erica. Cecilia was a wonderful wife and mother. While she had to continue working, she never neglected caring and teaching her children. Her filial piety towards her in-laws was also meticulous.The Cheung’s immigrated to San Francisco with their daughter in 1988. Upon settling down, Cecilia continued to work for an import/export firm, retiring in 2002. It was here that they had the opportunity of attending church and came to know Christ. They were baptized at the Cumberland Presbyterian Chinese Church in 1993. Since their retirement, they casted their heartfelt service in ministry and sharing the love of God. In their free time, they enjoyed travelling and visiting their son and grandson who reside in Canada.Unfortunately, Cecilia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. However, she staunchly endured the surgical, chemo and electro-therapies, so stabilized that she was fit to resume her interest in travelling, and offering her time and energy to ministry. In 2016, the illness relapsed, and she was advised that she has less than six months to live. Yet she would not succumb easily. She went through tortuous therapies to combat the malady for the next 2 years, until most recently, when conditions so declined that she had to be admitted to hospice care. On March 17, 2018 Cecilia passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.Cecilia valued friendship fondly. Even on her sick bed, she kept close contacts with members of her family, her church as well as some buddies she had known for 60 years.Cecilia loved her family; and since she came to know Christ, she loved her Lord and the church through which she served. She leaves behind her husband Wilson, son Erik (Monica) grandson Clarence, daughter Erica (Calvin) and grandchildren Caleb and Lauren. With grateful heart, she has completed her earthly journey and is now enjoying the felicity of being welcomed into God’s eternal Kingdom.
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