Susan Ying Tom's Obituary
Susan Ying Tom passed away peacefully on January 14, 2018 in Oakland. She was 100 years old.
Susan Ying (Dong) Tom was born on March 11, 1917, to Dong See Lin and Mabel Quon Dong in San Francisco. She was the oldest of seven siblings. She grew up in Chinatown, like so many others, during a time rapid and dramatic change in the 20th century. Susan attended public schools in San Francisco, but went to work at an early age to help support the family during the Great Depression.
Susan married Robert P. Tom in January 1945, when he returned from active duty in the Pacific Theater during WWII. They lived on Russian Hill, on the outskirts of the core of Chinatown among and near family. “Taylor St.” became a core location for both the Tom and Dong extended families, with many gatherings taking place in a crowded building of six small apartments.
Susan gave birth to her son Leonard in May 1950 and stayed at home to raise him during his younger years. In the late 1950’s she returned to the workforce, employed in retail in downtown San Francisco.
After 33 years of happy marriage, Robert passed away in March 1978 and Susan had to redirect her life. She moved to Oakland Chinatown in 1979, but continued to work in Downtown San Francisco. She was successful at living independently and had an extensive network of friends and relatives. Susan enjoyed international travel and went on trips to Asia, Hawaii, Alaska and Europe with friends and family. She was also fond of knitting and crochet. Susan retired from I. Magnin & Company in 1986, after 27 years of service.
Susan’s grandchildren, Elizabeth and Michael were born, respectively in 1987 and 1988. They were a source of great joy to her and she lavished them with gifts and love whenever she could.
In 1999, at the age of 82, Susan recognized the challenges of her advancing years and she chose to move to Lake Park Retirement Home in Oakland. She quickly made friends and fully engaged with the supportive programs Lake Park had to offer. She was kind and generous and much respected and beloved by friends and family alike.
Susan is survived by; her youngest sister, Sylvia Niblo of Carlsbad California, her son, Leonard Tom, her daughter-in-law, Carolyn L. Tom, her grandchildren, Elizabeth M. Tom and Michael R. Tom.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lake Park Memorial Fund or the American Heart Association.
A wake will be held from 4PM to 8PM on January 31, 2018 at CHAPEL OF THE CHIMES, 4499 Piedmont Ave. in Oakland. A funeral service will be held on February 1, 2018 at Chapel of the Chimes, starting at 11 AM.
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