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Mary Chien Memoriam
Born in Ningbo, China, on March 2, 1930, second of seven siblings, Mary attended Catholic schools in Shanghai. She was jailed one year by the communists in 1955, for joining the Legion of Mary. When possible, she escaped to the USA in 1958. After earning her Biology B.A. from NDMU in 1962, she explored a religious life briefly, eventually settling in San Francisco. She taught at SFUSD for 30 years, getting her Biology M.A. along the way! After retiring in 1992, she traveled (especially treasuring her trip to Lourdes and two meetings with Pope John Paul II in 1989 and 2000), wrote a book on her life's journey and the people met along the way, and attended Masses as often as she could, often twice a day! After a medical accident at her home, she moved into an assisted living facility, six years ago. She passed away noon on March 20, 2024, at 94. She is survived by three younger brothers, one sister, and the next generation.
Funeral Mass, Mater Dolorosa, SSF, 10:30 a.m., April 2, 2024.
Final Prayer Service and Burial, Cypress Lawn, Colma, 9 a.m., April 6, 2024.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Chien
Francie Zembal House
July 11, 2025
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your sister Mary.
I met Mary, when my second cousin, Father Ted Zembal passed away in Bellevue, Washington and I was the real estate broker selling the home.
She was a joy to talk to and very dedicated to our Lord. We enjoyed many good conversations and I was learn more about China after sharing that I adopted 3 children
from China! It was wonderful to know how much she cared for my cousin and that he had such a wonderful friend.
She had wanted me to venture out to visit her in San Francisco area , but I was never was able to do that, unfortunately.
I am sad to hear of her passing... and losing the chance to see her again.
RIP, Mary... I am sure that God welcomed you home with open arms. My belated condolences to her family. Francie Zembal House
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 4, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 4, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 4, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 4, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 4, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 4, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 4, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 4, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 4, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 4, 2024
Virginia N. Fabi
April 3, 2024
We first met Mary when she joined the Legion of Mary at St. Cecilia Parish, that was years ago, but memories stayed with us all those years, cause she was a sincere friend. She was fun to talk to, especially when there is a topic to discuss, she will stress her point, and not give in, cause, of course she was right! As a teacher, she will teach you how to enunciate the words, and the body language when you speak. She went to mass everyday at St. Cecilia, cause receiving Jesus is most important in her life. Mary was happy at Alma Via, she said that they gave her lamb chops and that´s her favorite food.
She would not miss our Legion of Mary Acies, a yearly pledge to the Blessed Mother of our complete dependence and love for her, with her nephew Bill, she was able to attend, so thank you Bill. The mass and homily of Fr. Vito Perrone for Mary was inspirational, and I could imagine Mary smiling at all of us in the church.
A mass will be offered for Mary on Thursday, April 11th, 9:00 AM at St. Cecilia Church.
With our prayers and love,
Virginia & Mary Lou Fabi
Mater Dolorosa
April 2, 2024
Mater Dolorosa
April 2, 2024
Mater Dolorosa
April 2, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 2, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 2, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 2, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 2, 2024
Mater Dolorosa Church
April 2, 2024
Ata Khoei
March 31, 2024
Cecilia & I, Ata, would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family of Aunt Mary Chien who always treated Cecilia & me with respect, kindness & that genuinely beautiful smile.
May she rest in peace & her memory will always remain in our hearts.
BillC
March 30, 2024
BillC
March 30, 2024
BillC
March 30, 2024
BillC
March 30, 2024
BillC
March 30, 2024
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How to support Mary's loved ones
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