Mary Sit, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2018 while surrounded by loved ones at home in San Leandro, CA. She was 67. Born Mary Jean Fraser in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Bennett Fraser and Joan Burke Fraser as well as her brother, George Robert Bennett Fraser. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Siu Po Sit, children Jennifer Sullivan (Sean) of Manhattan Beach, Kristofer Sit of Sacramento, Ian Sit (Holly) of San Ramon, grandchildren Gabriel Sullivan, Nathan Sullivan, Greyson Sit, Kolby Sit, Parker Sit, Bennett Sit, “adopted” sister Stasia Millett of Manchester, NH., and many nieces and nephews.
Mary was a top scholastic achiever in high school and a graduate of Cornell University at Ithaca, NY. After obtaining a Master of Science degree in microbiology at Michigan State University, Mary was active in academic research at Boston University School of Medicine and the Medical College of Pennsylvania, focusing on the study of infectious anaerobic bacteria. After the birth of her third child, Ian, Mary shifted focus in her life and became a fulltime stay-at-home mother with new roles as a Scout Leader, Soccer Coach and Community Volunteer. She was most generous in sharing her expertise in geological science and physical fitness as a Merit Badge Counselor for many generations of Boy Scouts. She was particularly proud of having successfully completed the “50 miler” with Troop 603 of Hayward. But Mary’s greatest joy and sense of accomplishment were raising her family with high school sweetheart and love of her life, Siu Po; in particular, their 6 wonderful grandsons, each with their unique strengths and personalities. Mary was a long-standing member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Hayward, serving close to two decades as a member of the Church Council and sang in the Choir. We often mused that during her long tenure there, she witnessed the retirement of three pastors. Mary and her husband loved adventure and traveled to many exotic locales all over the world. Among their favorites were riding the Zodiac along the crystal blue icebergs in Antarctica and getting close and personal with the Emperor penguins, snorkeling and sailing in the South Seas of Moorea, admiring the work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, exploring the ruins of Pompeii, cruising the Nile to see the Great Pyramids of Giza and Luxor Temple, camel and horseback riding on the Silk Road, and climbing the never-ending steps of Angkor Wat.
Mary will be remembered with love and affection for her intellect, generosity, warmth, affection and giving spirit. While we are sad for losing her, particularly during her favorite Season of Advent, we take comfort that she had a life well lived, full of love, faith, purpose and adventure. And we have faith that this devoted Christian has found peace by the grace of God.
Mary will be interred in a private ceremony at the Lone Tree Cemetery in Hayward. A memorial to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Hayward (25400 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary’s favorite charities: the Lutheran World Relief Fund, Doctors without Borders, Habitat for Humanity or a charity of your choice.
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