Minnie Chan Obituary

CHAN, Minnie
Age 83, passed away on February 3, 2007 with the same quiet grace that she lived. Born August 7, 1923 in San Francisco, she spent her childhood in Ling Gong village, Zhongshan Province, in China until she came to Courtland in 1939 at the age of fifteen to be married. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Lincoln Chan, whom she supported unfailingly in all his endeavors. She also leaves her three beloved sons, Wallace (Debra) of Courtland, Douglas (Carla) of Courtland, Dennis (Marsha) of Sacramento and a dear nephew, Dr. Henry Go (Dr. Barbara Arnold) of Courtland. She will be sadly missed by her devoted grandchildren, Sonya Chan (Tony Wintry) of Foster City, Katrina Chan of Santa Monica, Christopher Chan of San Luis Obispo and Courtland, Katherine (Steve) Chappell of Hayward, Douglas (Rebecca) Chan of Galt, Hillary Chan of Sacramento, Robyn (Jeff) Babbitt of Ladera Ranch, Tiffany Chan of Folsom and Carrie Chan of San Diego. She leaves behind seven great grandchildren who will know her loss. Grandnieces Rosemary Go (Greg Woolhiser) of San Jose and Adrienne Go (Charles Johnson) of San Francisco also mourn her. Minnie was preceded in death by an infant son, grandchildren Brian and Jennifer, and grandniece Samantha. Minnie's greatest joy came front her family - she was a loving caregiver and wonderful cook. Anyone entering her home was always warmly welcomed. In deference to her wishes, South East Lawn Mortuary has arranged private services for the family. Remembrances may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, the Courtland Volunteer Fire Department, or a charity of one's own choice.

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

Published by The Sacramento Bee from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Minnie Chan

6 Entries

Marilyn Ostman-Scoles

February 14, 2007

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Kathie Chappell

February 13, 2007

Dear Po Po:

Hello! How are you? Have you eaten? I hope that you had a safe trip, and that you’re enjoying your new place. I hear that there are no allergies where you are. And I hear that there are no headaches, and that the television only has two channels: the Chinese Opera channel and the General Hospital channel. Sounds like a great place. I’m happy that you made it there, because you deserve to relax and enjoy yourself.

We all miss you very much. But we also want you to know that we are taking you with us wherever we go. You have shared so much with us that you are in our lives and hearts every day. I just wanted to take a minute and let you know how much I learned from you, and how often you enter my life every day, because I’m sure that I’m not the only one who feels like you’re always around.

Whenever anyone I know gets a sore throat, I immediately administer cook fa cha.

Anything wrong with me from the stomach down can be cured by po chai pills.

When I put on slippers, I immediately lose the ability to walk normally, and I am forced to shuffle around until I put on real shoes.

I believe that dum dums should be in every first-aid kit, and can cure anything from a little boo-boo to a broken heart.

Maladies that can not be completely corrected by sucking on a dum-dum can be resolved by eating flat raisins.

I think all the grandkids who play piano had the same first tune: the theme song from the Days of our Lives.

Regardless of the price of an item we are purchasing, whether it be full-priced brand name or on clearance at the dollar store, our first reaction is “Ay-Yah!”

ALWAYS take home the left-overs. Even if you won’t eat them, the dogs will. Dogs will eat any and all table scraps, especially when you mix it in with their dog food and some water.

The first question you ask a guest is “Did you eat yet?” and quickly follow with “Do you want a sandwich?” regardless of the answer. The third question is undoubtedly “Do you want some tea? This line of questioning continues until they accept something. Only then do you let them in the house.

A woman’s purse should always have these three items: chapstick (preferably flavored), tic-tacs (the white ones) and a travel pack of tissue.

Any situation can be described as safe or dangerous, depending on whether or not you’re going to “deet deet.”

My rock climbing alias is “mah-lo-jai-ah.”

If any food item is more than an inch long, you’d better cut it up. Otherwise, “you gonna choke!”

The only purpose for a turkey carcass is jook. It has no other use.

The cheek meat is worth fighting over.

Almost anything in the fungus family is edible. And regardless of how it tastes, feels, looks or smells, “it’s good for you.”

I believe that all of the mysteries of the universe and all the treasures of the world, as well as the missing link, Jimmy Hoffa and Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, can all be found in one place: under your bed.

The scariest and most dangerous weapon known to mankind is a wooden spoon.

Icebox staples include: Ground pork, frozen peas, tofu, and crystal light.

Pan-fried hotdogs in ketchup over rice is the ultimate comfort food.

I constantly fight the urge to have at least three fridges. I need the room for all the left overs.

Po Po, I know you wouldn’t want all of us to mope around missing you. So I won’t linger up here anymore. I just wanted you to know that you meant so much to so many people, and you have shaped all our lives in countless ways. Although your physical presence will be greatly missed, we take you, your teachings, and your love with us wherever we go. I look forward to seeing you again in the future. Keep a pot of tea warm for me.

Love,
Kathie

Paper Chan Family

February 13, 2007

MOTHER

Your mother is always with you.

She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street.

She's the cool hand on your brow as you are falling asleep.

Your mother lives inside your laughter and in every tear drop you make.

She's the place you came from, your first home.
She's the map you follow with every step you take.

She's your first love and your first heart break and nothing on earth will separate you.

Not time, Not space, Not even death
will ever separate you from your mother.

You will always carry her inside of you.

As a child and now as an adult, we will always remember her as a gracious and loving individual.

She's in good hands.

Mary Nunez Tafoya

February 10, 2007

My deepest expressions of sympathy and sadness over the loss of your wife and mother, Minnie, on behalf of all my family, the Nunez clan. My father, Martin Nunez, worked for Lincoln Chan for many years, and we all grew up together in Courtland. I graduated with Wallace in 1958 and personally know how you must be feeling now. God bless you all in your time of sorrow.

Erika Vasquez

February 9, 2007

I grew up in Courtland and the Chan family became an extention of my own. My deepest sympathy to the entire Chan family.

Kathy McLaughlin

February 9, 2007

My deepest condolences to the family. I was Minnie's supervisor at the Department of Motor Vehicles in the 1970's. I remember that Minnie was a dedicated and hard working employee. I've never forgotten her, especially her dedication to her family.

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