Mae Fong

Mae Lillian Fong Passed away on August 20, 2010 after a brief illness. Originally from the Bay Area, Mae established a full life in Sacramento alongside her husband, with whom she built a successful business and partnership and raised a loving family. Born on June 23, 1924 in Belmont, CA; she was the loving wife of Paul Fong; mother to five children: Karen Cotton , Candace Fong Hartnett, Marsha Fong, Kimberly (Russell) Tanouye and Curtis Fong; grandmother to Kimberly (Kevin) Wong, Jennifer Cotton, and Matthew Hartnett; and great-grandmother to Cara and Elise Wong. Mae is also survived by her siblings Charles Lum of Atherton, Margaret Kam of Honolulu, Robert Lum of San Francisco, Alice Ching of Honolulu, Francis Koop and Louis Lum of San Rafael in addition to numerous nieces, nephews and relatives throughout California, Hawaii and the East Coast. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Lum See Kow and Fong Shee as well as brothers, Thomas and James Lum. Mae graduated from Sequoia High School ( Redwood City ) and San Jose State College with a degree in Commerce. She also attended Golden Gate University in pre-law. After marrying Sacramento native; Paul in 1950; Mae taught elementary school for the West Sacramento School District for 13 years before retiring after the birth of their son, Curtis and joined Paul in launching Fong & Fong Printers; one of northern California's premier commercial printing companies. During Mae's career; she had many affiliations. She was a Charter and Founding Member of the Boards of River City Bank and First Commercial Bank, served on the board of SACTO and was honored by the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce as a "Businesswoman of the Year". She also believed in philanthropy and supported many local organizations in the Sacramento area through the years. Charities close to her and Paul's hearts are the Shriners Hospital for Children and the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation. Additionally, her business associates, friends, long time employees and family enriched her long life. Her love and devotion to family continued to be her 1st priority. She traveled extensively with Paul and their children throughout Asia, Europe, South America and the United States for both pleasure and on goodwill trips for the Shriners. She always made time for family and maintained a strong bond with all of them. Private funeral services will be held. The family will be having a Celebration of Life on Monday, August 30, 2010 from 3:00-6:00pm at the Sutter Club, 1220 Ninth Street , Sacramento , CA 95814 . Remembrances may be made to the Shriners Hospital-Northern California , 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817 or The Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation, 9040 High Tech Court , Elk Grove , CA 95758 . Please reference for "Mae L. Fong Memorial."