Chinese scribe Kaff, mom of Newser, dies

DIANA KAFF, a former journalist for Chinese-language newspapers and the mother of Daily News advertising operation manager Al Kaff, died Friday. She was 85.

Born Fong Lee-Chuan in Chengdu, China, on Dec. 29, 1931, Kaff in 1960 married Albert Kaff, a longtime foreign correspondent with United Press International and later a public relations writer at Cornell University. The wedding took place in Taipei, Taiwan.

Her husband served in the U.S. Army in World War II and the Korean War, earning a Bronze Star for meritorious service.

Over the years, the couple lived in the Philippines, Japan, Hong Kong, New Rochelle, upstate Ithaca and Fairfield, Conn., and raised three sons.

For 25 years, Diana Kaff wrote for Chinese-language newspapers Sing Tao Daily News in Hong Kong and the World Journal in New York City, one of the largest Chinese-language dailies in North America.

Most of her articles were about her travel experiences, family issues and human interest stories.

During the 1980s, Kaff owned and operated an Asian Antique store in Milford, Conn.

While living in Japan, Hong Kong and Bel Air, Md., she was an active member of the Episcopal Church, participating in many programs and charities at local parishes.

Kaff is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law: Allen Chang and his wife, Pei Pei, of Great Neck, L.I.; Arthur Kaff and his wife Cheryl, of Bel Air, and Al Kaff and his wife, Anika, of Piscataway, N.J.

She also had seven grandchildren: Carolyn, Rebecca, Nicole, Jason, Alexia, Ava and Ariana, and one great-grandchild, Adelyn.

Funeral services are private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839 Boone, Iowa 50037.