Irene Tom

Irene Ching Ying Tom (nee Chiang)

Age 93, a 64-year resident of San Francisco, passed away surrounded by her loving family on July 27, 2013. Born in Guangzhou, China, she majored in mathematics and music, studied at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and had a passion for the piano. She met her husband, James Paul Tom, a Chinese-American who worked for the China Transport Company and the Overseas American Red Cross, and together they relocated to San Francisco in 1949. She was a working mother throughout much of her life, taught Chinese language and had two separate careers as a private business owner. She expanded her artistic talents and resumed painting Chinese water colors in the 1960's, for which she received awards, and held several one woman shows. Her hobbies included needlework and contract bridge, having received master points for her competitive play. She and husband Jim enjoyed Mah Jong and ballroom dancing at social gatherings of the Chinese-American Institute of Engineers and Chinese-American Citizens Alliance. She was a thoughtful and gentle individual. She is survived by her sisters, Qing Ying Liang and Qing Yuan Zhang, and daughters, Annie Tom Hoefs, Bernice Tom, Connie Tom Noguchi and Darlene Tom, 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The family will hold a Celebration of Life in October.