Evelyn Mah Pong's Obituary
Evelyn Mah Pong, peacefully passed with a smile on her face, on August 3, 2024. She was 101 years young and just 13 days shy of what would have been her 102nd birthday.
Evelyn was born on August 16, 1922, in Canton, China, to Fook Yuen and Woo Shee Mah. Affectionately known as Dee by her younger siblings, was the eldest of six. She immigrated to Stockton, CA, from China on August 23, 1932. She began kindergarten at the age of 10. Having never heard the English language, she tried her hardest to speak, but was teased and bullied incessantly by classmates and her teachers. In spite of the harsh treatment, Evelyn resolved to master English without the trace of an accent. The teasing only made her more determined to excel in this new foreign language.
Evie, as she was called by most that knew her, met the love of her life, William (Bill) Pong Sr., in August 1947, and became engaged in November of that same year. Bill mailed her a diamond ring from Oahu, HI, where he lived and was managing his brother-in-law’s fabric shop. The happy couple married on January 26, 1948 in Morris Chapel on the University of the Pacific campus in Stockton. The newlyweds spent their first two years residing on Oahu, where their oldest son, Leland, was born. Upon returning to Stockton, Diana was born. In 1953, the couple moved to Oakland, CA, where Evelyn tirelessly worked beside Bill in their corner grocery store, BP Market. Oakland was also where their youngest son, Bill Jr. was born. In 1965, she studied cosmetology, became licensed immediately after and worked in the Montgomery Ward beauty salon for 18 years.
After retirement, Evie and Bill were inseparable, never spending their days or nights apart - whether it was on a simple trip to the bank, grocery store, traveling to their favorite destinations, Canada or Hawaii or sitting on the sofa watching their favorite TV shows at home. After Bill’s passing in 2002, she continued to enjoy vacationing with family and friends.
Evelyn loved travel and her Oakland Athletics. Her excursions took her to Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii and even traveled to the Great Wall, Beijing, Xian and Hong Kong at the age of 90! Evie was a 70-year resident of Oakland and had been a proud Oakland A’s fan for years! With her love of travel, Evelyn would fondly tell Diana that she loved being on vacation at her memory care facility, Brookdale! Evie joined the Brookdale North Fremont community in 2022, where she was a happy, engaged resident.
Evelyn helped care for each of her grandchildren when they were very young. Lovingly known as Pau Pau or Ngin Ngin by her seven grand kids, she cherished her times with them, whether in person or on the phone. Evelyn had an eagerness to learn what was happening in their lives. Evie repeatedly quipped that all she wanted in life was to become a great grandmother. She got her wish of becoming Bok Bok with the births of Austin, Emily, Landon and Raya!
Evelyn will be fondly thought of. Her quick smile, kind heart, desire to help family and friends, and happiness for life were infectious!
While saddened by her passing, the family is comforted knowing that she has rejoined her beloved Bill, whom she missed for 22 years, her adoring oldest son, Leland Pong, her loving parents, younger siblings, William Mah, Ronald Mah and Barbara Chan Vukovich, brother-in-law, Donald Lee and many dear lifelong friends. She is lovingly remembered by daughter Diana Shiba, her husband Marty, and Bill Pong Jr. and his wife Veda and daughter-in-law, Heidi Pong. Evelyn is survived by her grandchildren Dustin Shiba, his girlfriend Catherine Lau, Kingland Pong, Kevin Pong, his wife Christina Montano Pong, Ryan Shiba, his wife Jodie Bernardino Shiba, Will Pong, his wife Vanessa Zin Pong, Bonnie Pong and Kallie Pong and great grandchildren Austin Shiba, Emily Pong, Landon Shiba and Raya Pong. She is also survived by her siblings, Laura Lee and Frank Mah, her in-laws, Patti Mah and Phyllis Mah, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Brookdale North Fremont for the loving, devoted and patient care provided to Evelyn during her 2 ½ year “vacation” with them. Special thanks go to Grace & Glory Hospice for their thoughtful care to ensure her comfort during her final days.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 12:00pm at the Chapel of the Chimes-Mission Chapel, 32992 Mission Boulevard, Hayward, with the funeral service starting at 12:30pm and entombment immediately following.
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