Jane C Tang

Jane C. Tang, 88, Paradise Valley AZ, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, September 20th, 2021. She was born in Los Angeles, CA on April 10th, 1933, and the 5th of Wo Lum and Hom-Shi Lum’s seven children.

She was Wonder Woman to her family. Jane was industrious, hardworking, kind-hearted, thoughtful, clever, humorous, and playfully witty! She was a special daughter, sibling, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and a true friend to all those who knew her.

Jane grew up in Los Angeles just blocks south of Chinatown. She went to Ninth Street Elementary, Lafayette Jr. High and Polytechnic High School. In school, she enjoyed working for the year book committee and began her love for photography. She grew up fast, started working at age seven and contributed to the overall welfare of her family. The Church of All Nations (The Church for All People) was a place she cherished and worked in the library to go to church camp. As a youngster, she worked at Grandview Produce and later at the El Maestro Mexican Restaurant. After high school, she wrote to IBM Corporation to get IBM operator manuals, became a self-taught certified key-punch IBM operator, and got a job with LA County Registrar of Voters. With the money she earned, she bought her family their first (GE) refrigerator and later a nice sofa couch. Jane’s mom was extremely proud of her.

Jane married Sam Tang in 1955 and moved to Phoenix, AZ. Literally, love at first sight. Together, they raised three sons and a daughter. While raising the four kids, she worked at Mountain View Market, Tang’s Market and later managed El Tango Mexican Restaurant. Somehow, she was also a Scout Den Mother to all of us, supported us in Little League and softball, swimming and piano lessons. Her own hobbies/activities included Desert Jade Women’s Club and Chinese Week photographer, knitting, pottery, stained glass, and Tang/Lum family historian. She was also an avid Phoenix Suns fan and autograph seeker. Most people know her for her portrait photography; if she took a picture of you and your family, she would get prints from Costco and made sure your family would have copies of your own. Jane would also know everyone’s birthday, and most likely wish you a happy birthday.

Jane will be joining her husband Sam Tang of 64 years. Survivors include: son Craig (Marian), son Keith (Susie), son Scott (Karen), and daughter Tami. Grandchildren: Lauren De Silva (Andrew), Amanda Vong (Michael), Akemi Tang, and Christopher Tang. Great grandchildren: Sydney De Silva, Cameron Vong, Desmond De Silva, and Chloe Vong. Beloved sister to Millie Ung (Clinton, dec.), Tom Lum (Eva), Lily Ong (William, dec.), and Betty Lum. Preceded in death by brother James Lum (Jenny, dec.) and sister Margaret Lee (Jimmie).

Due to current circumstances, a private family memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 29th, 2021 at Greenwood Memory Lawn. We know she touched so many lives and the family will share a website link honoring her long and amazing life.