Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1947

DIED

2020

Mary Tschida Fong Obituary

Mary Tschida Fong
May 1, 1947 - November 22, 2020
Sacramento, California - Mary Tschida Fong passed away peacefully in Sacramento on November 22, 2020. She is survived by her husband, Tom of 37 years, daughter Patricia, stepchildren Devin (Gina) Fong, Adriane (Dave) Namehas and grandchildren Vincent, Madison and Peyton; brother, Bill (Paula) Tschida and his family; and many Fong siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Mary Katherine, a native Vallejoan, was born to William C. Tschida and Katherine M. (Healy) Tschida on May 1, 1947. Attending St. Basil Elementary School and St. Vincent Ferrer High School, graduating with the Class of 1965.
Mary worked for the City of San Francisco in the Building Inspection Department for several years. Later she joined a community service project and volunteered in Refugio, Texas, for a year. When she returned to California, Mary attended Sonoma State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and her teaching credential.
Mary enjoyed a successful career of 38 years, teaching at Willow Spiring Elementary, in Woodland, California. It was there that she met her future husband, Tom Fong, and they married in 1982. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Sacramento, where Mary spent the rest of her life and her daughter, Patricia, was born. Mary was a wonderful mother, devoted daughter and a beloved educator who spent her life taking care of her family, friends and students. Mary was an active parishioner at St. Anthony's Parish and in her retirement was an aide for Holy Spirit Parish Elementary school. She remained active with her love for family vacations to Tahoe and Disneyland, dog Radar and her and daily lunch dates at La Bou.
Due to Covid restrictions, a private graveside ceremony was held for the family on December 4. A celebration of Mary's life is planned for May 2021.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Jan. 4 to Jan. 8, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Tschida Fong

Not sure what to say?





Monique Martin-Dark

February 25, 2021

My deepest condolences to the family. I worked with Mary at Willow Spring Elementary. She was a wonderful friend. Over the last 28 years, she would send me Christmas cards and keep in touch. She had a beautiful smile and I loved her laughter. God has gained an angel.

Irene Difuntorum

February 2, 2021

So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was such a great and inspiring teacher. I enjoyed volunteering for her during summer school and working in her class at Willow Spring while I was in high school. Her friendship carried on past my high school years as she was also a family friend. Prayers for all of you.

Andrea

January 28, 2021

I had Mrs. Fong when I was in 6th grade at Willow Springs Elementary. This was way back in the early 80’s. Great teacher and very inspiring.

Beth Coll

January 22, 2021

Remembering Mary with happiness: growing up in Vallejo and throughout our years at St. Basil's and St. Vincents and seeing each other at reunions. My condolences to her family, especially Tom, Bill and Paula.

Diane Crossman

January 16, 2021

I did my student teaching in Mary's class in 1980. So sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to her family.

Sharon Rehm

January 14, 2021

I read about Mary’s passing with a heavy heart. She was so kind and positive. I always enjoyed seeing Mary and Tom at LaBou. My condolences to all.

Toni Kendall-Park

January 13, 2021

Bill, Paula and Family,
So sorry for your loss, our deepest sympathies.

That harken Ashley Cobb

January 10, 2021

Tom and Patricia, Mary was an outstanding teacher I got to know when she worked at Gibson School. We also were happy that both our daughters graduated from St. Francis High School. My nephews met her attending Holy Spirit School. She will be greatly missed by all. God bless you. Kathy

FREDERICK W NICHOLS

January 8, 2021

Tom
We are sorry to learn of the passing of your wife, Mary. We often saw the two of you at Sunday Mass and the many years of running the Bingo Game at the annual SA parish festival. She will be missed. Please take care of yourself.
Fred and Patricia Nichols

Cherie Alston

January 8, 2021

I am very sorry to hear of Mary's passing, I have thought of her fondly over the years. She had all 4 of my sons in her class,(the Bauer's), at Willow Spring. I remember when she rallied to get my youngest son in her class as at first he had been put in another class. Prayers to the family.

Connie Dun

January 8, 2021

Dear Tom and Family, I’m so.sorry to learn of Mary’s passing. I only came to know her when I saw the both of you at La Bou where you were having lunch. Just talking with her during those times I could see what a nice personable person she was. I’m know she’ll be misse.d by many.
Connie Dun

Mary Estrada-Stetson

January 7, 2021

I worked with Mary at Gibson. She was always a "fun friend" Prayers to her family .

Cary (Hague) Henoch

January 7, 2021

I am so sad to hear of Mary’s passing. I enjoyed working with her for many years at Willow Spring and she always inspired me. She will be missed by so many people! Love and prayers to her family.

Erica Morris

January 7, 2021

Mrs. Fong was my fifth grade teacher many years ago and I have very fond memories of her. May she rest in peace. My condolences to her family and friends.

Suzanne Moelk Crawford

January 5, 2021

Mary was a childhood and neighborhood friend and my 'Big Sister' at St Vincent's. It was always fun hanging out with her at their family home. My deep condolences to the Fong and Tschida families. God bless you, Mary. May you rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Make a Donation
in Mary Tschida Fong's name

Memorial Events
for Mary Tschida Fong

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Tschida Fong's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more