Kam Wai Ngai

Kam Wai Ngai, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Oakland, California on May 1, 2023, at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her husband Che Chuen Ngai, her youngest sister, and her youngest daughter Elaine Ngai Fung. She is survived by her three sons and daughter; 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

She was born on March 21, 1927, in Vietnam but grew up in Guangdong, China. She resided with her family in the humble and peaceful rural countryside tending to the family farm. Kam developed a nurturing presence as she helped care for her siblings while fleeing from Japanese forces who occupied China during World War II. It is this caring nature that she carried closely with her when she started a family of her own with Che, an English teacher with whom she fell deeply in love following an arranged marriage.

In the 1980s, Kam immigrated to the United States with Che, her youngest son, and daughter in law. Her family’s American dream began as she was able to raise a family while Che continued teaching. After Che’s passing in 1989, she worked part time to earn money for the family. In the early 1990s, she moved to Hanford with her son. It was there she eased into retirement, enjoying life as a devoted grandmother after the birth of her granddaughters. Her happiness resided in being a grandmother and becoming an expert in her hobbies of knitting, sewing, cooking, and gardening.

In 2006, as her grandchildren grew older, she found residence in Oakland. With her friendly personality and sweet gentle smile, she quickly made friends within the local Chinese community. She loved to socialize with other tenants and often passed the time over games of mahjong. Though she was happy amongst her friends and neighbors, she continued to be the mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to her family.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her infectious smile and laughter, her big heart, and the unconditional love for her family.

A visitation for Kam will be held Monday, May 22, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California 93720. A funeral service will occur Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM, 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California 93720. A committal service will occur Monday, May 22, 2023 at Mountain View Cemetery, 1411 W Belmont, Fresno, California 93728.

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