Mrs. Kwan Tai Chin

Mrs. Kwan Tai Chin, Daughter of Mr. Chee Lip Gong and Mrs. Moy Kue Chin Gong, passed away June 20, 2023. She passed away in the presence of two Grandsons, Jonathan Wang and Brent Matl at her home in Richmond, Texas. Mrs. Chin was 97. She is survived by her Brother and Sister, Mr. Lonny Gong and Mrs. Peggy Lum, as well as daughters Mrs. Judy Jacobson and Mrs. Deborah McKennell. Mrs. Chin cherished three grandchildren, Jonathan Wang, Brent Matl and Brittany McKennell, as well as her 12 lb. poodle, Daphne.

Mrs. Chin was predeceased by her parents, husband Mr. Eddie Mak Yut Chin, Daughters Mrs. Darlene Wang and Ms. Sheryl Chin, as well as her brother Mr. Ronald B. Dong.

A Nonagenarian, Mrs. Chin's story is as extraordinary as it is lengthy. Born in Zhaoxing 'Dong Village', Guangdong China during turbulent political times for China, Mrs. Chin was the oldest of four children: two born at the Dong Village and two in the United States. After escaping the Mao Communist revolution of 1949 and emigrating to Hong Kong, Mrs. Chin met her husband Eddie, and had her first two daughters as a British subject. Being an American for several generations, Eddie returned to to his native Brooklyn, NY and sent for the family to join him as he returned to set up accommodation for their growing family.

On December 17, 1953 Mrs. Chin and her two daughters made the trip across the pond on Pan American World Airways, never to leave American soil again. Along with other relatives, in 1957 the Chin family started a family business in Houston, C & C Market (Chin & Chin). Notable customers included George Foreman, who came into the store to purchase chicken feed! Now a Texan, Mrs. Chin's youngest two daughters were born. Along with Eddie passing away at a young age, each daughter eventually started their own families and legacies, and Mrs. Chin lived with oldest daughter Darlene and her husband, Rick Wang. Eventually, grandson Jonathan joined the household and they operated as a family. Some years after Darlene passed away, Mrs. Chin made a home with youngest daughter Sheryl, and continued as a (now native) Sugar Land resident. Aunt Sheryl worked tirelessly to be a good steward to Mrs. Chin, but ultimately God called Sheryl home early, and Mrs. Chin chose to live with grandsons Jonathan and Brent in Richmond, TX. The five years that 'Grandma' spent with them were the privilege of a lifetime for the boys.

Grandma was proud of her Chinese heritage. She was also a Red-Blooded American, enjoying Texas Barbeque, Pork Ribs and Cheeseburgers! In 2021, thanks to efforts from the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, Mrs. Chin's father was recognized for his service in France & Africa in WWII. He was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal that now complements his two Purple Hearts.

2012 Brought a new challenge to Mrs. Chin's life: to begin therapy for her chronic kidney failure. Her entire family, but especially Aunt Sheryl, were all on board and supported her and her care team to ensure both her success and survival on this unique journey. Overnight at age 87, Mrs. Chin had a three day per week job of staying on top of her health - and the remaining days of the week she continued inspiring us, laughing and spreading the joy that has defined her earthly tenure. Beginning dialysis was not a convenient therapy but she decided to, like everything else in her life, to do her very best. And with support of doctors, nurses, techs, family, friends and staff, Mrs. Chin exceeded every medical study for her age-adjusted cohort and inspired numerous patients about the full life that can be had under her circumstances.

Aunt Sheryl once said that Grandma was 'always dressed for unexpected guests.' Entertaining friends and family as well as playing with the three dogs Daphne, Oree & Papi were daily pastimes for Mrs. Chin during her final years. Anyone reading this announcement has already experienced the light and beauty of Mrs. Chin during her 97 years of love. She will now live on in us through her humor, quips, sincerity and kindness. As her body is laid to rest, she now looks down from Heaven with a smile, wok and spatula; cooking for all who have passed before her.

Mrs. Chin wishes to recognize and thank: Dr. Darius Wania, Dr. Dolon Das, Dr. Samir Sahai, Dr. Imran Moheedin, Hina, Natasha Alexander. As well as at Davita FC: Mary Bates, Ann Manalo, Alicia Morgan, Phyllis, Gigi, Ben, Jerry, Jennifer, Mac. As well as at Davita Village: Judy, Jeff, Alan, Sharon, Mike, Chanthy, Steve, Marlon, Mary Ann, Matilda, Milta, Hitzia. Also caretakers: Angela, Theresa Montes, Geneva, Lupita, Dede.

A visitation for family and friends will be held the evening of Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 5pm to 8pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, located at 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, Texas 77079. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 23, 2023 at 10am at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home. A graveside service is to follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Chin family.