Esther Chan Lam

November 3, 1916 - January 21, 2018

Esther Chan Lam passed away peacefully on January 21, 2018 with family by her side, at the age of 101. She was born on November 3, 1916 to Hoy Chan and Lum Shee. As a native San Franciscan who grew up in Chinatown, she attended Commodore Stockton Elementary, Francisco Jr. High and Chinese schools. Her passion for Chinese writings and history began as a young girl and continued into her later years.

A strong willed and liberated woman in her time, she worked hard in the family business, Lincoln Shrimp Co, during WWII. Esther was a devoted wife of the late Howard Sun You Sam; and a loving and supportive mother and grandmother.

During her leisure years, she kept up with the stock market and current events and had a never ending desire for learning. Her zest for life, self-motivation and self-determination enabled her to live independently throughout the years of her life. She lived an abundantly blessed humble life.

She enjoyed Chinese operas and her travels to Hong Kong and China to visit her extended family. Family ties and lasting friendships were of great importance to her. She touched the lives of many people through the years and will be remembered as a generous, kind and loving person.

She is survived by her children, Diana Lam and Denise (Norman) Cho; grandsons, Nathan and Erik Cho; her brother, David Chan; her godson, Hung Yin Fung; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces/nephews, and great-grandnieces/nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Sun You Sam; her elder brother, Wah Yuen Chan and her sister, Hazel Yick. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Funeral service will be held at the Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Tiffany Chapel on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 1pm. Interment service will follow at Olivet Memorial Park.