Submit a PhotoCatherine Sin-Wan Chow passed away at 73 on Thursday, October 19, 2023, after falling ill while visiting family and friends in Hong Kong.
Catherine was born in Canton, China on May 12,1950 and grew up in Hong Kong. She was a devoted daughter to her parents and, as the oldest of five children, a loving sister to her three younger brothers and sister.
She met her husband Philip Sheung-Lai while attending the University of Texas in Arlington, despite both living and going to school near one another in Hong Kong. After college they moved to Montreal, Canada and married on November 14, 1975 before settling in Phoenix, Arizona. She worked for four years at McGill University in Montreal prior to her 31 years at Honeywell in Phoenix alongside her husband until their retirement in 2007, driving together to and from work every day. In retirement, they enjoyed cruising to every continent together. They studied, lived, worked, and played together for over fifty years.
When Catherine made a friend, it was a friend for life. She would go any distance to help those she loved and kept in regular contact with the many friends she made throughout her life.
Catherine enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She was an excellent cook and took care of everyone around her. As her children began to grow their own families, she joyously embraced the role of grandmother. She loved them all fiercely and she will be greatly missed.
Catherine is survived by her husband, Philip; son, Jeffrey Chow; daughter Jasmina (Arni) Maack; grandsons Emil and Davin Maack; granddaughters Camilia Maack and Coraline Chow; siblings Eric (Tammy) Poon, Alfred (Lucilla) Poon, and Leslie (Tai) Chan. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Franklin.
A celebration of life in Catherine’s honor will be held at Gilbert Memorial Park, Gilbert, Arizona, on December 16th at 10am.
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We will attend the services.
My dear cousin好表姐。I was so lucky to have met up for dinner with you and Philip early on in October. If it wasn’t for the typhoon night, we would have met up again for another great chat. I will miss you greatly.
Dear Philip. I hope you find peace and comfort in spending time with your grandchildren. They are precious to you and Catherine
See you at the service on Dec 16
Lizzie
We’ll be there
We are saddened by her sudden death. I was so looking forward to seeing her in Hong Kong. Her death reminds us that life is fragile and that we have to enjoy every moment of everyday with our friends and family.
May her rest in peace.
Our deepest condolences to you, Philip and your family.
With love from Teresa and Wing Ng
I will go
Dear Catherine,
you are a beautiful person with love and kindness. Thanks for your friendship all these years. You will be deeply missed.
Janet – UTA roommate
Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Catherine Sin-Wan ChowMay
Our deepest condolences to the holw family.
May she rest in peace.
With love from Thorhallur Maack and family
My dad & I will be attending Aunt Catherine’s service.
Words can’t express how sad we are. We miss her deeply.
She was an amazing friend to my parents & aunt to me all these years which we have gratefully cherished.
Our condolences & thoughts,
-Chan Family (Chi, Amy, Joyce)
Deepest condolences and prayers to Mrs. Catherine’s family and friends.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of someone so dear. May loving memories of Catherine Sin-Wan Chow help you find peace.
With love from
Svana, Siggi and family
Dear Philip,
Our deepest condolence on the loss of your dearest lifelong partner and best friend. May the peace of God be with you and your family in this very trying time!
Albert Wong and Esther Wong Chu
Please accept our deepest condolences to you over the loss of Catherine. We offer you our heartfelt support and friendship in this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for anything; we are just next door.
We will attend her service.
My deepest condolences to Philip and the entire family. I had the pleasure or working with both Cathy and Philip at Honeywell for many years, I was always impressed with their technical prowess as well as their kindness to others. Cathy was always so efficient and willing to help everyone—I haven’t seen either in years but my heart goes out to the family, May we all find comfort and peace.