Mary (Gee) Chin, age 103, of Charlestown, passed away on June 1, 2012. Mary was the beloved spouse of the late Edwin K.S. Chin. Devoted mother of Helen Chin Schlichte of Charlestown, Thomas Chin and spouse, May Y. of Newton, May C. Young and spouse Jerome of Hartford, CT, Theodore and spouse Jean of Somerville, David, Eleanor of Charlestown, Joseph T. and spouse Susan of Wilmington, Francis and spouse Wai Jit of Newton, and Philip A. Chin of Charlestown. Loving grandmother of Janice and spouse Farzan Rastinejad, L. Thomas and spouse Lynn Van Ummersen, Thomas, Sara and spouse Daniel Heckel, and Douglas and spouse Lisa Young, Katherine and Elizabeth Chin and Alexander Chin. Adored great grandmother of Jillian and Justin Rastinejad, Katie, Sarah and Lauren Chin, Nadia and Ivan Heckel, Jailee and Zoe Young. Cherished sister of Alicia Yi of Braintree.
Sixty-four years ago, Mary was left a widow with nine children ranging in age from two months to 15 years of age. This situation would have devastated most women but not this woman---she was gentle, kind and loving but strong and determined. She did not despair; she had a family to raise. She kept us all together by working long hours operating a hand laundry. And though we lived through some very hard times growing up, she remained independent and resourceful, refusing to accept welfare.
Mom was not fluent in English but she understood the value of education and encouraged each of us to obtain as much education as possible. She instilled in all of us the belief that with good character, some basic tools and a solid educational foundation, we could fully participate in the American Dream and take our rightful place in society. Thanks to our remarkable Mom, we are all college graduates; most have gone on to graduate school and all are first-rate professionals in their own right.
Mom taught us not to long for material things, but rather to strive for excellence in all things and at the same time to help one another and to help those in need. Like background music in our minds, we could hear her saying, “Don’t waste time. Save your money. Work a little harder.” We are blessed that we had this amazing woman, this great lady as our Mother.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, June 5 from 5 pm - 8 pm at the Frank H. Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown. A celebration of Mom’s life will be held in the funeral home on Wednesday, June 6 at 10 am. Interment Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to South Cove Nursing Facilities Foundation, Inc., 120 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA 02118.