Ethel Fong Chew

1922 - 2015

Ethel Fong Chew
Aug. 1, 1922 - Aug. 26, 2015
Resident of San Jose
Although widowed for 36 years, Ethel Fong Chew maintained a family dynasty of love, loyalty, respect and fun until her death on August 26, 2015 at age 93 years. She slipped away peacefully, without trauma, after having been touched by her family.
Ethel was born in San Francisco's Chinatown, August 1, 1922 to Don and Lee Shee Fong. She was second generation American Chinese. Shortly after graduating from Commerce High School, She married Ray Chew of Menlo Park. They began their marriage, first, by preserving the farms of Japanese friends who were relocated during WWII. The Chew family values of hard work, academic achievements and good citizenship were fostered. The fruits of their labors were realized as all of their children and grandchildren graduated from college to become contributing members of society. Theirs' was a job well done.
In addition to being a homemaker, Ethel worked as a clerk at Samuel Ayer High School, Milpitas, at Easy Foods Grocery in Mt. View and Allied Container of San Jose. She helped her children who cut cots, picked prunes, packed tomatoes and trimmed celery during their summers. A fabulous cook, Ethel enjoyed crafts, Ikebana and exercise. She participated in the Boy Scouts, PTA and was a founding member of the Chinese American Women's Club of San Jose.
She leaves behind many friends, a large extended family of Chews and Fongs, including her sister Lillian Lew (George) of Milpitas and sister-in-law, Betty Fong of Daily City.
Survivors include children: Diane Klinke (Morrie Chassen), Richard Chew (Esther), Ken Chew, Debra Quan (Stuart), and son-in-law Bob Batten (Judy West). She is preceded in death by her husband Ray, 1979; grandson Marc, 1979; son-in-law Gerald Klinke (Diane), 1990; daughter Merrie Batten (Bob), 1998; and brother Eddy Fong (Betty) 2012
She Leaves ten grandchildren: Joel Chew (Sunmi), Linda Bailey (Rich), Jill Hoffman (Todd), Donovan Chew, Danalee Chew, Landon Quan (Maria), Trisha Quan, Brandon Batten (Arlene), David Batten (Myra) and Steven Batten (Kinnera). Her eight great grandchildren include: Raylene Chew, Marc Chew, Nathan Chew, Jessica Bailey, Carter Bailey, Kyle Batten, Kairi Batten and Chloe Batten who, along with many nieces and nephews, mourn her passing.
We are forever grateful to Stephanie Howard and the memory care staff at Regency of Evergreen Valley for their professionalism, respect and attentiveness to Ethel's needs and to the family in times of stress and difficulty. We are also thankful to the staff of Carlton Senior Living in Fremont. It was there Ethel enjoyed over 10 years of independent living until the onset of dementia. We are thankful to the medical staff at Kaiser Hospital Emergency of San Jose for their sensitivity and guidance in Ethel's journey. Finally, we wish to thank Vitas Hospice Care for their assistance in Ethel's final hours. She had a wonderful life.
Ethel was cremated and inurned with Ray in a private ceremony conducted by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren held at Oak Hill Memorial Park. A Celebration of Ethel's wonderful life will take place on Sunday, October 25th, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Darling Fischer Garden Chapel 471 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95112. A reception will follow immediately. No flowers, please. Contributions maybe made to your favorite charity. We look forward to sharing memories


View the online memorial for Ethel Fong Chew