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Shirley Fong-Torres Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Fong-Torres
Sponsored by Kristina Dong Pavao, Shirley's daughter.
Jim Duncan
June 17, 2025
Love ya always
Kathie Fong Yoneda
June 17, 2024
I will always treasure the memories that I shared with Shirley! We laughed, we cried & we enjoyed finding new places to dine & new stories to share! Miss you, dear Shirley! xoxo kathie
Tom Conti
June 18, 2023
Shirley's love and friendship over the years will be in my heart forever.... She was a joy to everyone who knew her....
Tom Conti
June 20, 2022
Another June arrives and with it another chance to say how much I loved and miss Shirley.... The pain of her loss never goes away....
Tom Conti
December 27, 2020
Thinking of you this 2020 Christmas, Shirley... You always knew how to cheer me up... Love and miss you always...
jim duncan
December 16, 2020
I still love you forever.
Kathie Fong Yoneda
June 17, 2020
Shirley...you are always in my thoughts. I still remember our late night cyber talks & your restaurant suggestions for my trips...but most of all, I remember how proud you were of being a mom & grandmother...And a Giants fan! I miss you, dear friend! xoxo kathie
ReAnn Scott
June 17, 2020
I still smile every time I think of Shirley and how engaging and thoughtful and fun she was with every tour group of women I brought to San Francisco. She and I became close friends and our husbands even joined us a few times for dinner. I still pull out her cookbook when I feel like cooking one of my favorite Asian dishes. You will always have a place in my fondest memories and my heart, Shirley.
Shannon Boule
September 10, 2019
I was saddened to hear the loss of Shirley. I worked with her briefly at Levi Strauss & Co. I took an evening cooking class from her after work. She made a very lasting impression on me. Loved her relationship with her daughter. I found that she passed as I wanted to suggest Wok Tours to a friend. So I googled her name to get the phone number and came across this. RIP Shirley
Tom Conti
June 17, 2019
Every year that goes by since Shirley's passing reminds me more and more how blessed I was to know her, and be lucky enough to be called a friend by her..... The times we got to spend together were always filled with fun and joy..... I miss her more every year.....
candace
July 16, 2018
i knew you only when you were 16, and always remember you for your laughing
and look of mischief. i was bff with ben, and you were like a female ben--full of humor and sweetness and intelligence and creativity. i'm sure the woman you turned into as you grew was just as lovable....
July 27, 2015
I was going through some old cooking books when I found one Shirley signed for me when I owned Food Town Market in Pacifica. She and her daughter Tina did a cooking demo for customers. Shirley was such a wonderful person and we so enjoyed the Chinatown tours. Ron Rehn
Thom Ward
July 17, 2013
I am at work and suddenly Shirley's captive smile and energy came across my mind...through all of life's rapid paced days, I could not recall if we lost her...was it a dream? I decided to Google her name and was reminded of our loss.
Obviously she still surrounds us with her contagious energy...she was such a joy and even without her physical presence she brings me a warmth moment of pleasure knowing that she touched my life.
Thank your for making me smile, Shirley....and thank you Kristina, for allowing us to remember your mom, by maintaining this site.
(Shirley and I served on a board together for at least five years...she brought us all happiness.)
Michelle Baggett Alpha Omega Winery
March 5, 2013
I had the pleasure of my first tour with Shirley January 1, 2000 - the millenium. After several tours later, it saddens me that I will not walk the tour again with this beautiful and vibrant lady. As I make my travel arrangements to Spring Training to see our beloved Giants, and looking back at our last correspondance of spring training 2010, I know while I am there this year, Shirley will be there too. A favorite family event for her. Shirley, I will see you at the ballpark! You are much Loved and Missed.
Allan Pacela
February 23, 2013
You were so full of life! We thank you for the experiences you shared and we love you still. Allan and Ramona Pacela
Always Caring
February 18, 2013
May you continue to rest in peace and your loved ones live strong and continue to be surrounded by your love.
Maxine Clark
February 11, 2013
I think of Shirley daily as I have a picture of her and her dear teddy Wro. I hope he is in good care with her daughter and granddaughters. She will always be missed and always remembered and loved.
February 10, 2013
I never met Shirley, but appreciated her positive energy and love of Chinese food and culture, and I watched her TV programs and enjoyed her recipes and restaurant recommendations! You are missed, Shirley! - A Fan
Marshall Fong
January 14, 2012
Wow! Life is so short... I missed the tour and now miss Shirley, but will catch her tour in Heaven down the road.
God bless her Soul...
December 23, 2011
Heaven has gained a new bright star! I will miss you.
Sheryl Stoppelwerth
December 14, 2011
I met Shirley ten years ago for one of her wok wiz tours of Chinatown. Shirley's "walking tour" inscribed the richness of Chinatown into my heart as a forever-to-be-treasured experience. May her laughter and joy be a source of comfort for her family and friends.
ReAnn Scott
December 6, 2011
I met Shirley when we had both just started our own businesses. She took one of my first tour groups through Chinatown grocery shopping and then we all came back to our hotel's kitchen and she cooked us lunch. I was reminded today, when I learned of her passing, that that was 25 years ago. Though we had lost touch recently, we shared many a bottle of wine whenever I was in San Francisco and I was thrilled to host her in my home in Minnesota during one of her book tours. She brought light, joy and laughter with her wherever she went. She may be gone but those qualities will always be with us in the faces of her beautiful daughter and grandchildren. Miss you dear friend.
Jennifer Wallace
November 9, 2011
Shirley is the star of one of my fondest travel memories. We met while my husband and I were celebrating our 5 year anniversary in San Francisco in 1999. We were lucky enough to get THE actual wok wiz (smiling) when I booked a tour with her. It was such a fun day and she went above and beyond what she was required to make the tour successful. We visited with her afterwards and loved hearing her stories that included Rolling Stone magazine and her sweet daughter. She was so full of life and a pleasure to be with. I noticed that everywhere we went she spoke to people in the community and they seemed so genuinely happy to see her. San Francisco lost a jewel of a woman!
July 27, 2011
Shirley was a life force and the best example of life lived to the fullest. She made you feel special and shared her energy, joy and happiness unselfishly. She loved her granddaughters so much and reminded me everytime I saw her that grandchildren were true blessings of life.
See you, Shirley, at the most fabulous Chinese restaurant in heaven!
Leslie and Carlton Parks
Shirley and daughter, Tina, Shirley's Birthday
Frankie De Luna
July 24, 2011
Shirley Fong-Torres had a soaring spirit. She was contagious, vibrant, effervescent, bright, and undimmable. Every space she inhabited, wherever, whenever, whether she was around one friend or a crowded room of fans, her glow abound. At a trade show she was the most exciting exhibit, even without a booth. When on a dance floor, she danced with everybody! She could tell a story and you experienced it, whether about culinary delights, travel, or a personal tale. She was so real. Her most important recipe for success was one she shared with all whom she touched. It was her delicious recipe of love. Shirley we love you!
Frank de Luna and Jim Harrod
Vicky Marlar
July 20, 2011
Shirley and I met in our sophomore year of high school at Oakland High in 1962. Big brother Ben would emcee our great school assemblies. I think it was her 'Sweet 16' birthday that her parents gave her a great party with fabulous food prepared by her father. We started college together and sang the Name Game with Shirley being first as we approached our freshman U.S. history class. I remember her beautiful wedding and dinner reception in SF Chinatown- what a celebration. She was a happy person who spread joy to everyone around her. May she rest in peace.
Deepest condolences to Ben and family.
Sally Baldwin
July 20, 2011
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”
Jim Duncan
July 19, 2011
May Country Western bands of angels sing you to your rest.
Pamela Minnaugh
July 18, 2011
My prayers for peace go to Shirley's family. I'll always be grateful that my husband and I got to meet your wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Daughter. She was so many things, but a friend was one of her greatest roles. Until we meet again, sweet Lady! Thanks for the wonderful memories.
Tom Conti
July 17, 2011
I was blessed to have become a friend of Shirley since I first met her in the early 90's on one of her tours through Chinatown..... You know how you just click with some people when you meet them??.... Her heart was so big..... She could always make you smile no matter how down you may have felt..... She truly was one of a kind..... Even now I still can't believe she's gone..... My prayers and good wishes to you Tina and the whole family.....
Katie Haven
July 17, 2011
Shirley's loss will be felt world-wide. She was a great inspiration to so many, not just in the Bay Area, but all over. RIP dear lady and hearty condolences to the family she left behind.
Ian&Amy Wainwright
July 17, 2011
Thanks for the memories. I'll never forget you pulling us away from jook and dumplings by saying, "We gotta go see a man about a duck". And what a duck it was.
Aloha nui Shirley, we love you.
Cynthia Yee
July 17, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family of Shirley. She was always so proud of you and there was never a day that went by during the time I worked at Wok Wiz that she didnot talk about her loving family. Shirley taught Chinatown alot about being happy. Whenever she saw someone with a frown, she would cheer them up by picking up a prawn from her plate and say this means wishing you a good laugh! Now who would have thought of that? Continue your work in the heavens and show them how a good chicken salad is prepared. You made the best!!!
Nicole Downey
July 17, 2011
I never met you Shirley but I love your spirit & your awesomeness. You sure made an impact on my cousin & for that I am eternally grateful. Enjoy the next part of your journey & keep on snackin'!
Shelley Bresler
July 17, 2011
I remember Shirley back in high school. She was funny, warm and a joy to be around. It made perfect sense to me that she should become the joyful ambassador for San Francisco's Chinatown.
I am so glad that I was able see her again in Tucson for the Festival of Books.
Roger Scheel
July 17, 2011
Thank You
Bob Schildgen
July 4, 2011
It's so hard to accept that someone as full of life and joy as Shirley has passed away. I was fortunate to be the editor of two of her books, and will never forget our happy times on these projects. She was such fun to work with that I looked forward to our every meeting. We sometimes strayed delightfully off topic, covering every subject from international politics to the San Francisco Giants. (How I regret that we never managed to attend a game together like we'd promised ourselves to do.) Shirley was fiercely and rightly proud of her Chinese heritage, and did a marvelous job of sharing it with the world through her tours, books, articles, cooking classes, and media events. At the same time, she was a cosmopolitan of intense curiosity, eager to learn from people of every color, culture, and cuisine. "Let's have lunch," she'd say with smile. "Anything but Chinese today." To all her family, which she always spoke of so fondly, my deepest condolences.
June 28, 2011
This was one special lady. You knew that when you were going to be with her, it was going to be a fun time.
We were neighbors at Masonic and Piedmont in SF and car pooled to Levi Strauss back in 1978. Even back then, Shirley left her footprint in everyone's heart that she came in contact with. She was a wonderful person. So sorry she left so soon.
Marilyn King (Clayton, CA)
Ellen Johnck
June 27, 2011
I met Shirley and 5 year old daughter Tina in the playground of McKinley School in the fall of 1979. I was there with my five year old son, Didrik and we were both saying goodbye to our kids who were entering kindergarten. Shirley asked if i knew of a mom where Tina could go after school and be cared for until Shirley could pick her up after her job at Levi Strauss. I said I am the only mom I know and offered to care for Tina which continued for the next five years. That was the beginning of an inspirational friendship that was ongoing and continues today with the family. Food is love and so much more. I will miss Shirley but love is stronger than death and love will thrive. Ellen Johnck
Patricia O'Brien
June 27, 2011
I was a neighbor of Shirley's on Big Bend in Pacifica many years ago. She was always so sweet and friendly. A very special person has left us but has left dear memories behind.
Lorri Allen
June 27, 2011
You will be missed dear lady.
Mark Gregory
June 25, 2011
I met Shirley around '85 when my mom signed us up for her cooking class in San Bruno. We had so much fun cooking with her and drinking wine while we cooked and laughed. We always laughed. I took photos in the class and on one of Shirley's walking tours. I was thrilled when she use one of my photos in her first cookbook. Shirley had a level of charisma that is rare. I'm sure Heaven is a great place and it just got better. I will miss Shirley.
John Ginn
June 25, 2011
I remembered that Shirley use to come into our classroom to get her 3rd grade brother to cooperate in class. Sometimes she would bring him to class in the mornings and remind him to behave. Even then, she was grown and quite the mom.
Maxine Clark
June 24, 2011
Shirley and I met about 10 years ago at Build-A-Bear in SF. her special friend and confidante Wro Bear was interested in some clothes! We have corresponded over the years and her emails about Wro and her beautiful grandaughters always made me smile. She loved life and personified being a good person. I will miss her.
Christina Campbell
June 24, 2011
God Bless your Spirit, Shirley. Your Love continues to shine down from Heaven. Thank You for accompanying us on the Journey.
Lola Hom
June 24, 2011
I met Shirley in 2006 when she hired me for WokWiz. Soon she became mui mui and I was Jeh-jeh. MuiMui gave me a lot of tips on being a 'paupau' before my grandaughter was born. She helped me with our red egg and ginger party. She gave me the recipe for oyster sauce steak with spinach leaves that she and Stella made in the 'heart shaped' Le cruset pot. I am heartbroken that this wonderful and wise lady is no longer with us. Thank you Shirley.
Jim Mariano, The Pacific Union Club
June 24, 2011
I was working as concierge for the Parc 55 Hotel, San Francisco and met Shirley through my mentor Chef Concierge Shelby Topp. She was promoting her Wok Wiz Chinatown Tour and handed over her brochures. We welcomed her with great enthusiasm. She helped cross borders for people wanting to know the inside scoop and history of our Chinatown while enjoying dim sum & tea. She was not only an ambassador of tourism and goodwill. But at first meeting, a friend you already knew for a very long time. I will miss her and especially her smile! ox, Jim
Lisa Chung
June 24, 2011
I met Mama Shirley 21 years ago when she came to visit her daughter Tina, my college roommate and dear friend. She radiated happiness and it was always a joy to spend time with her. In her last message to me on May 17th, she wrote: "And thank God for Tina - she's a real treasure, been with me all the way, so helpful and loving... and the sweet girls, what would I do without their good energy and cuteness?" I'm so glad that her final days were spent surrounded by the lights of her life. She will be remembered fondly and with much love.
June 24, 2011
Shirely was a good high school friend, and I will always remember her fondly. When we had our last reunion in August 09, I started to go to the pre-reunion dinner in San Francisco, but I thought, I'll see her at the reunion, so I didn't go. She had a book signing the day of the reunion, so I didn't get to see her. I was sorry about that at the time, and now am even more sorry. Mahalo and Aloha Shirley.
Colleen Merriwether
Shreveport, La
June 24, 2011
She was a good high school friend, and will always be remembered fondly. I, now wish that I had gone to the Friday, prereunion event in San Francisco, in August 09. I was thinking she would be at the reunion, but she had a book signing. Mahalo and Aloha, Shirley.
Kay Cooper
June 24, 2011
Tina, words cannot express how much your mom meant to me. Our topics of conversation were focused on good food,exceptional wines and most importantly her love for Maggie, Stella, you and Matt. She will always remain in my heart and in my most favorable memories.
Your loving friend,
Kay
Luke Chung
June 24, 2011
I used to see Shirley all the time across the street from my family's store, Superior Trading Company, when she was conducting her street tours at the corner of Ross Alley & Washington Street...I'll miss her!!!
Benji Wong
June 24, 2011
Condolences to the Fong-Torres family on your loss. May Shirley rest in peace.
Shirley, Kim, Scott at Lunar New Year
Kim Spangler
June 24, 2011
Fred Chin
June 24, 2011
To Tina and Family,
Auntie Charlene and I were saddened to heard about your mom's passing. She was so full of enthusiasm and energy in her work of guiding tours to Chinatown restaurants. At your grandmother's 90th birthday celebration she was friendly and kind hearted with everyone in the room. What a great person she was. A person who loved to do something for the Chinese community and proud of her work,as well. A person who love to cook for everyone to enjoy. So young to leave this world. Still in her dream she has many good ideas to come. A warm hearted person who loves being with people. A person who enjoyed sharing her joy and laughter with. And most of all a mother and a grandmother who loved her family and grandchildren, Maggie and Stella very much. Tina, Auntie Charlene and I are expressing our condolences to you and to your loving family.
How lucky I was to have you as a friend!
Kathie Yoneda
June 24, 2011
To Shirley's loving family & friends: It's so hard to express how much we all will miss Shirley -- that infectious smile, her zest for life & her warm friendship are forever embellished in my memory bank, along with all the tasty meals, travel tips & shopping sojourns we shared. The best way we can honor this dear woman is to follow her motto: Live well & laugh more!
Kathie & Dennis Yoneda
Kate Canales Locke
June 24, 2011
I never had the pleasure of meeting Shirley in person but spoke to her at great length on the phone while booking a tour with her in 2009. She told me to be sure and poke a little fun at our tour guide the following morning because they had gone out to dinner the night before and partaken in some very nice wine and he may not be feeling quiet up to par. Her sense of humor was wonderful. You know how you speak to someone and they just exude joy? That was Shirley. Her posts on Facebook expressing her love of food, Hawaii and SF always made me smile. I am praying for your family at this very difficult time. God Bless you.
June 24, 2011
Condolences to the Fong-Torres family...our prayers to the family during this difficult time and lost of Shirley. Gordon n Sandra Chew
Wenda Lee
June 24, 2011
Sending the Fong-Torres Family & Tina my biggest condolences. Shirley always brought sunshine & happiness to my day whenever she visited my father's restaurant. Her spirit & love for food will always stay w me. She has helped preserve & educate SF Chinatown history culture & food. We have lost a beautiful local icon. Hope the pain subsides fast & may her memories last a lifetime. She'll be missed so much.
Jennifer Lee Gammell (Harry Lee's Daughter of Royal Kitchen
June 23, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss, Tina. It saddens me that she is gone too soon. She was an inspiration to me. Most importantly, a lot of her enthusiasm and her being a wonderful mother to you inspired me to be like her in many ways with my boys and with life. She was one heck of a lady and mom! I'm sure she was awesome w/your little girls too! She will be missed. My heart is heavy but I know she is in a better place.
Ron Lee
June 23, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kim Spangler
June 23, 2011
Shirley was a unique and well loved lady. I learned so much from her, as she was so full of life and such a multi-faceted woman who livened up any room. I was honored to be her friend and will miss the joy she brought to my life. God Speed Shirley and thank you for letting me spend the last 2 months with you. Your wonderful family is in my thoughts and prayers each night. Love Kim
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