Fuiong Lapating

Fuiong Chang Lapating passed away in Concord, California at her daughter’s home she shared for the past 29 years on January 16, 2022 at the age of 96.

Fuiong was born in Shanghai, China September 18, 1925.  She was the 5th child out of 8 children of Shi Ni Zhang and Mei Zheng Tang.  

Fuiong grew up during the multi-class, anti-imperialist struggle, Nationalist vs. Communist, Japanese expansion in Manchuria, occupation of Beijing, Nanjing, and WWII in mainland Asia.  Her father was a business merchant who was considered well to do and her mother was also from a well to do family.  Her mother was her father’s 5th wife.   Fuiong was the only child that survived; most of her siblings died at an early age.

Fuiong was revered by her parents, uncle and aunts and very much spoiled.  She remembered the chocolate, perfume, make-up given to her of whom she shared with many of her friends.  Unfortunately, her father’s stroke caused him to be paralyzed and with the political turmoil caused hardship.  After graduating from high school Fuiong found herself needing to support her parents and younger sister.

WWII ended in Asia in 1945.  She met her future husband when US Navy landed in Shanghai while working at a gambling house.  Her 2 oldest daughters were born in Tsingtao, China.  In 1948 she was evacuated from China due to communism take over since she was married to a US Navy sailor. 

Her journey thru life would take her to the Philippines where she lived in 3 different provinces, Guam, Bremerton, Washington State, San Francisco, and Concord, CA.  Fuiong wasn’t afraid on taking on any jobs; she worked as a cigarette lady at the Fairmont, peeled cocktail shrimps, worked in the fields picking fruits and vegetables, dry cleaner, often working 2 jobs which lead to buying their 1st house summer of 1964.  Both she and Richard owned and operated a well-known clothing store (Lapating’s) which they opened in the Excelsior District of San Francisco. After running this well-established business, the two retired and closed their retail store after eighteen successful years.

Fuiong is predeceased by her husband of over 47 years, Richard D. Lapating, her 2 daughters, Anita Dong (Art) and Lydia Young (Henry).  Fuiong is survived by her 5 children; Jackie Valdehueza (Cesar-Deceased), Margaret Grantham (James–Deceased), Ed (Maryann), Larry (Susan) and Richard Jr. (Monica)., 20 grandchildren; Cliff (Mykiss), Czar (Maria Gabrielle), Craig (Pauline), Colette, Christopher (Julie Anne), Christine, Thomas (Yin) Daniel, Darlene, Stephanie (Phil), Joseph, Deanna (Ram), Nicholas (Rebecca), Nicole (Anthony), Nathan (Danielle), Keith (Linda), Ryan (Erica), Brennan, Cherie, and Sophia, and 28 great grandchildren; Cody, Chyann, Cadence, Camdyn, Cashton, Cynthia, Connor, Landon, Avery, Kysen, Emily, Sydney, Sam,  Harper, Keira, Keirissa, Keilani, Keirsten,  Ryan Jr., Liana,  Jade, John, Tiffany, Addison, Ty, Ed Jr., and Jaelyn.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Monday, January 31, 2022 from 5-8 p.m. and a funeral service on Tuesday February 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Ouimet Bros. Concord Funeral Chapel, 4125 Clayton Road, Concord, California 94521.  Burial to follow at Oakmont Memorial Park & Mortuary, 2099 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette, CA. 94549. Location/Space:  Remembrance Lawn.

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