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Susan Mae Gong Thomas

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Benjamin Franklin High School Boston University Harvard University

Susan Thomas Obituary

Thomas, Susan Mae Gong (56)
(aka Dr. Susan M. Gong) passed away May 11 at Kaiser Permanente Hospital from complications of breast cancer. Susan was born August 6, 1949 in Yuba City, CA to the late Herbert and Quan Gong. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1967. Susan received a BA in psychology from University of Pacific in 1973. She received her Masters from Cal State University (Sac) in 1977 and from Boston University in 1980. Susan received her doctorate degree from Boston University in 1985. Susan has lived in L.A., CA since 1986 and has been involved in many facets of the mental health profession. Dr. Gong has worked for the QTC Medical Group since 1991 conducting psychological and disability evaluation for the State Department of Mental Health; Dr. Gong most recently was the lead Quality Assurance Director for the (PASRR) program. Susan is survived by her husband, Alvin J. Thomas, a stepson Jubal Taheed Thomas, sisters, Tsai Peng, Rose May, Ellen and brothers, James, Fred, and Roy, and brother-in-law Gary Ness along with numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her greatly. Memorial services will be held May 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Lawndale Christian Church, 4234 W. 147th St., Lawndale, CA. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 33 S. Catalina Ave., Suite 203, Pasadena, CA 91106-2426.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on May 18, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Thomas

Sponsored by siblings.

32 Entries

Rose Gong

May 31, 2020

I miss my sister everyday and still cry for her.

July 3, 2006

Dexter Gomez (QTC/PASARR)

June 22, 2006

I have known and worked with Dr. Gong for 10+ years. She is the kindest and sweetest person I have ever met and worked with. The thing that I'll always remember about her was her professionalism. She was always on top of everything. She makes things easier for everybody. She was very approachable, and she became my confidant whether it was work related or personal issues. The camaraderie she brings, her smiles, and 100% hard work will be missed. On behalf of your QTC family, your sweet memories will remain in our hearts.

Marlene Watson

June 20, 2006

Alvin & Family, Rose, and the entire Gong family...I was so shocked to hear of Susan's passing. I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I came in contact with Susan and Rose 3 years ago when I developed breast cancer.Susan and Rose entered my life and have been such a blessing with all their support. I felt like I wasn't alone and they cared. Although I never met Susan, I felt she was a friend and there for me if I needed anything. I will miss her emails. I so looked forward to them. Thank you Susan, for beng there for me when I had questions or needed to talk. You and your sister Rose, have been such a blessing to me and I will slways have you in my heart. For me, breast cancer was the worst and the best thing that has happeed to me.....the best was having people like you come into my life. Thank you, Susan.

Losie

June 19, 2006

This is Rose reflecting on daughter, Erin's graduation day, June 17, 2006. It was a bittersweet day. We all missed Susan so much that day and cried for happiness and sadness. Erin felt Susan's presence about her at the ceremonies and will forever treasure Susan's mentorship. I still cry everyday.

June 16, 2006

Fred Gong

June 16, 2006

We (Gongsters) all joked about being in the same “old folks home” together someday and still being mischievous to each other. I cannot accept the fact as being true that my sister Susan is gone. When we talked on the telephone, I never heard her complain once, even when she was “under the weather” but, continued to be an inspiration. She would end our calls with “love you”. She always made time for us whether it was during the day or night. It amazes me that she has touched so many people in a positive way. She always had the mentality of a marathon runner. When she had difficulty walking to the finish line during the Race for the Cure”, I tried to carry her to the finish line, as she would finish with every marathon race. I have waited to this day, in hopes to gain composure in writing this assertion into her Guest Book. It is still very difficult. I will forever be profoundly touched by the lost of my sister and confidant. Although they say time heals all, we never recover from our lost; we learn to cope from day to day . . . thanks to you, “I can dance from time to time.” Love you too. Fred.

June 15, 2006

Rose Gong

June 13, 2006

Thank you all for your kind words. They've sustained our family through these difficult days. I miss my sister so much it hurts. I miss our chats while one or both of us are stuck in traffic everyday. Something will happen, and I pick up the phone to call her. She was my anchor and confidant. She and I laughed about things only another Gongster would find hilarious. I cry every day in the shower, thinking about her. It's been hard to move on, but Susan would have wanted all of us to "get on with it". Alvin and I have had signs that she's watching over us, so we'd better move on. I love you, Susan, and I look forward to seeing you again someday.

Lots of Love, Ah-Losie

Patricia Repulse

June 12, 2006

Alvin, Jubal & The Gong Family,

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and the family. Alvin, when I speak to you on the phone I hear so much pain in your voice and The story you told me, (you know that was Susan up above telling you to stop). Be strong and know that in time the pain will heal, but her memory will live on forever. Cherise those memories and know just as Susan said to you "she saw her parents", you will be with her again one day as well. May God bless you and the family.

CHARLENE JOHNSON

June 12, 2006

Dearest Alvin & Family - I was so devastated to hear of your loss. Alvin, though I never met Susan I do remember her voice when she would call for you at Mike Green and I always remember how your face would light up and your spirit fill with joy when speaking of her. I was truly elated when I heard of your marriage, and equally devastated to hear of her passing. I hope that you are able to gain strength from God in knowing that she is at peace with the Lord. Your memories will live forever and be a source of cherished inspiration and support. May God bless and keep you in his arms. Take Care! Charlene Johnson (Hartley)

gwendolyn repulse

June 7, 2006

Hello Alvin and Jubal, me and my family are sending our deepest sympathy to your family and susan family. Susan was a sweet woman, and she will be missed very much. I'm glad i had the pleasure of meeting her and always recieving her calls when she would call in to speak to you at Mike Green. Im so very sorry to have had to hear of her death. I knew you loved her dearly. Keep god first and always remember susan would want you to be strong and remember the good times you two had shared. stay strong and remember looking up to god will give you the strength to carry on.

Alvin Thomas

June 1, 2006

Baby,baby...its been three weeks since you went home to the Lord. I still reach for your hand to say our prayers. Everytime I really miss you, a feeling comes over me reminding me to stay strong. I know its you. The family has been very supportive. We can hardly speak to one another without crying and missing you. Jubal misses you too. I look to the heavens and feel your spirit. Baby,baby you know eyeball to eyeball,we can't see but we can feel.I can feel you looking out for me and telling me to," Stop it, Stop It. The Lord Is my shepherd, I shall not want...."I did'nt think I had any more tears...I was wrong. No song has a melody like my love for you. I truly miss you. Love forever and a day.Your Honey bunny.

Mary Stephens

May 30, 2006

Susan and I go back to junior high, where I would visit her and May at their family's market. As far back as that, I can remember how we constantly laughed at crazy things each of us would say and/or do. We also had several classes together at Franklin, where we often got into trouble for disrupting the class (laughing quite loudly at times - with Kathy, Margaret and Martha), especially in Mr. E's class, while he tried to hide his peanut-eating habits from us. Susan and I loved reconnecting at our HS reunions, where again we would roar with laughter at those memories, as well as life, in general. In the past four years, our emails back and forth kept me informed as to Sue's condition, her happiness with Alvin, and her love for her family. But they also displayed her character, being able to find some kind of humor even with all she was going through with her cancer. After talking about possibly getting implants (after one of her surgeries), for instance, she stated that she would do anything to be a "B" cup. I loved so much about Susan - her class, her strength, her "brutal" honesty, but most of all that laugh! And Susan, I know that is what you would want me to remember most...and I forever will.

I will miss you so! Your loving friend!

Jeanette Lew

May 30, 2006

May 30, 2006

I'm so sorry to find Susan,s obituary in the newspaper. I knew Susan from Delta College--we had some classes together. She was such a nice person. My sympathy goes out to her family.

Roy Gong

May 30, 2006

I am missing you dear sister... I find it difficult to move forward, but I know you would want me buck-up and hold my head up high. I wonder which mansion you are living in. Are the streets ready gold? God sure picked a beautiful flower for his garden. I surely do love you and miss you. I know Alvin misses you deeply, we talk and support each other.

Roy

Kathlene Perry

May 27, 2006

My deepest sympathy to Susan's family. I knew her in high school and the few times I saw her at class reunions, I was impressed by her accomplishments, but mostly by her sweet, gentle spirit. She was so kind and gracious; a joy to be around. I know the world has lost a very special and unique person.

Kathy (Sowers) Perry

Margaret (Reasor) Waite

May 26, 2006

My prayers are with the Gong and Thomas families at this so very sad time. May God wrap His arms around you and carry you through. He is our strength. I will miss her smile. Susan was a beautiful person. John 3:16

Laurence & Joanna (Gilgert) Ashlock

May 25, 2006

Our deepest sympathy to the loving family of Susan. She was a kind and gentle sole and will be missed by all who had the privledge of knowing her.

Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home & Funeral Home

May 24, 2006

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Shirley

May 21, 2006

A gentle person yet a courageous fighter, that's Dr. Gong. She moved me so by the way she worked and lived. Instead of feeling sad, I will try to be as passionate, dedicated and brave as her every time I think of her.

May 19, 2006

My deepest sympathy go out to the family, Dr. Gong will be missed she always had a smile on her face and no matter her medical issues she always went out of her way to say hello to everyone. I also had the pleasure of joining her in the breast cancer walk last year, god bless her always.

Maria Ochoa

QTC/BAYBROOK DIVISION

Deborah Deadwiler

May 18, 2006

The staff and doctors at Seagate Medical Group extend our condolences to the family of Dr. Gong. She will truly be missed by all.

Bertha Rodriguez

May 18, 2006

May God bless you and your family. My deepest sympathy. I did'nt not work with Dr. Gong but she always had a smile on her face and was always polite with others. May God bless her.

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