Mary HoLaySan Keng

Mary HoLaySan Keng went home to the Lord Jesus Christ on December 8, 2024. She will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Mary was born on October 14, 1935 in Amoy (Xiamen), China to Ho Lay San and his wife, Lim Siok Kiaw. During World War II, the family was in Bantayan Island in the Philippines. Despite the danger of war and scarcity of food, God was their Protector and Provider. The family then moved to Cebu where Mary “Mali” finished her high school degree and college degree in commerce. She was the eldest daughter, and much was expected of her. Her mother entrusted her to manage the household with responsibilities ranging from going to the market to buy food and buying school uniforms and shoes for her 6 younger siblings to working with the house staff. She loved her siblings and would brush and style her sister’s hair every day. She also learned to be a wonderful cook and baker. She was involved with youth group at church and her love for Christ flourished. As a young adult, her parents often hosted out-of-town pastors, missionaries and youth choir members in their home. God gave Mary the gift of hospitality and everyone felt welcomed and well cared for in the Ho Lay San home.

It was through a mutual visiting pastor that Mary was introduced to Moses Beng Tong Keng. Moses, who was also a pastor, came to Cebu to preach. They would not admit to love at first sight but after only three meetings and several letters after, Mary and Moses were married at Cebu Gospel Church on March 26, 1967. Mary then moved to Manila with Moses and served alongside Moses as a pastor’s wife at Jubilee Evangelical Church. Mary and Moses had three children, Ephraim, Moses Jr., and Jane Abigail.

In 1980, the family moved to Chicago, Illinois to minister at Chinese Christian Fellowship Church. The church grew from a student bible fellowship. Mary loved being Moses’s helper. God gave Moses the best helper. She was a constant encourager for Moses. She often accompanied Moses in visiting newcomers, those who were ill or those who were in great need or distress. God gave Mary many skills such as baking, cooking and flower arranging. She used these gifts wisely to serve people and honor the Lord. She must have baked nearly a thousand of her famous chiffon cakes for people, and hundreds of cookies for the church’s candlelight services. Mary was known for her beautiful orchids. For weddings, she often would use her own home-grown orchids and create beautiful flower arrangements. Mary loved God by serving others.

Because of God’s promise of salvation, we will see Mary again. Mary is preceded in her eternal home by her husband, Moses Beng Tong Keng. She is survived by 2 younger siblings, Peter Holaysan and Susan Go and their spouses. She is also loved by her sons, Ephraim and Moses Jr. and their wives, Christine and Anh respectively. Mary is also loved by her daughter, Jane Abigail. “A-ma” Mary is also loved by her grandchildren: Caleb, Jonathan, Allyson, Megan, Emily, Joshua.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the mission fund at churches that Mary served alongside Rev. Moses Beng Tong Keng.

Jubilee Evangelical Church 35 3rd Street Corner Dona Hemady New Manila, Brgy. Mariana 1112 Quezon City, Philippines

Chinese Christian Fellowship Church 3636 Illinois Road Wilmette, IL 60091

Arlington Chinese Bible Church 2426 Superior Drive Arlington, TX 76013

Funeral services for Mary Holaysan Keng are 12:00 PM Friday December 20, 2024 at Moore Funeral Home 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, Texas 76012.

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of Mary Holaysan Keng by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.