Mary Chan Bersamin
February 14, 1929 ~ March 13, 2018
Mary Chan Bersamin went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 13, 2018. Mary passed away at the age of 89 in San Francisco, California surrounded by her loving family and with the thoughts and prayers of too many to mention.
Richard Bersamin, her husband of 59 years, preceded her in death in 2009. Mary is survived by her loving and devoted children Katy, Rose, Richard, Jr., Tony, Mary and Joanne; her grandchildren Jennifer, Christopher, Anthony, David, Alex and Jason; her great grandchildren Jomel, Jerrick, Faith and Natalia; her sons-in-law Steven, William and David, extended family and dear friends. Mary remarried in 2016 to her best friend Cordell Gehling.
Mary retired from UCSF Medical Center, SF as a Cancer Research Lab Technician. After retirement, she volunteered at the Little Sisters of the Poor and several other charities. Throughout the years she crocheted hats, gloves, scarves and blankets for the poor and elderly and at Christmas she bought doll figures and made handmade dresses for them and gave them to children’s charities. Mary supported numerous charities throughout her life and will be fondly remembered for her boundless warmth and philanthropy.
Mary loved to dance and sing and was an exceptional ballroom dancer and sang like an angel. She enjoyed music from the big-band era; loved traveling and cooking (a true chef who would make feasts for her family, friends and charities). She was innately creative and delighted in painting, drawing, coloring and anything to do with crafting. Mary loved fashion and would design, pattern and sew elaborate and beautiful clothes for herself and her family.
Mary loved playing Mahjong with her girlfriends, going to shows and musicals. She was active in Tai Chi into her 80’s and enjoyed raising roses. Above all, she loved her family and spending time with them and made it a priority to ensure the family came together to celebrate each other and every birthday, holiday and individual accomplishments – making each occasion memorable.
Affectionately known to most as “Mama”, she was the epitome of love, generosity and kindness. Given many life hardships and health challenges, Mama was selfless in her love and care for others, extremely resilient with a fierce survivor attitude. A wonderful and devoted wife and mother who worked tirelessly in her determination to provide the best for her family. She provided love, support, guidance and security for her children. Raising a large family can be difficult at times, but she provided each of her children with the tools, knowledge and foundation needed to excel in life. All the while, making it look easy. As her family grew, she was just as nurturing, wonderful and caring to each addition.
Mama’s inner beauty radiated as much as her outer beauty. Her family cherished, admired and adored her and she will always be remembered as a great woman of faith, strength, brilliance, wonderment, devotion, grace and elegance. Her grandchildren described her as a social butterfly, fun, witty and the life of any party.
Mary Bersamin had a life well-lived and achieved her greatest aspiration to have and raise a loving family to carry on her values of humankind and contributions to society. On the way to such a life achievement, she took the necessary time to enjoy her passions and life’s special moments.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Vigil for Mary on Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 10:00am11:00am at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 2559 40th Avenue, San Francisco. A Celebration of Life Mass for Mary will commence immediately following the Vigil at 11:00am.
~~~ Dearest Mama, we miss you desperately. There are no words to describe the depths of our love for you. You are one of our greatest blessings and we will treasure each moment we had together. We are extremely grateful to you for being a role model of unconditional love and providing us with fond and joyous memories to last a lifetime. You will live forever in our hearts and continue to be our family’s beacon of love, faith, joy, goodwill and hope. We will honor you by celebrating your life and your teachings. Until we meet again, you have our eternal love and gratitude. ~Your loving family
Thank you to all who loved and cherished Mama the way her family did and always will. As Mama was a true believer in Jesus Christ, her spirit and memory is eternal in Heaven.