Ann Pao Wang 2/15/1924-11/24/2016
Published:  December 14, 2016

Ann Pao Wang

2/15/1924-11/24/2016

Ann Wang passed away on Thanksgiving day after a protracted illness.

Her family was with her when she passed on to the Lord.

She was the kindest, most generous person you could ever know and she was beloved by all who came to know her. 

Born in Hangzhou, China, Ann was the 9th of 14 children and was strongly influenced by her father, a physician who practiced western medicine.  Her strong Christian faith was instilled in her by her parents and family.  She lived through the Second World War and the Japanese occupation of China, fleeing from soldiers.  But her trust in God never wavered and she was able to finish her education and graduate from nursing school in China.  She traveled to America to complete her post-graduate work in nursing at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.  Specializing in premature infants, her nursing experience took her to work in 3 different hospitals in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Immigrating to America by boat, Ann met her husband, Ming Wang, who was also traveling to the United States to study at Michigan State University.  Offering to carry her luggage, Ann was a little unsure of his advances but got to know him better through playing bridge.  They started a long distance courtship while she pursued her education and career.  After completing their education, Ming and Ann married, and they moved to California to the town of Santa Paula to start a new life.  Ann became a loyal caring wife, raised 3 children, and dedicated her life to doing God’s work in the Presbyterian church.  Ordained as a deacon, then as an elder, she taught Sunday school, and loved singing in the church choir.   

Ann was a charter member of the Ventura County African Violet Society since 1969.  Within that organization she held the position of President, Vice President, Stage Chairperson, Librarian, Historian, and Design Chairperson.  A member of her church once titled her the “Black Belt Sensei” of African Violets.  Her flowers won awards at national, state, and county fairs. She was also a Master Judge of African Violets of America, and judged a number of violet competitions.

She was a proud volunteer at the Ventura County Fair for 30 years, and was a member of the Tri-County Egg Artists.

Ann is survived by her three children, sons Sherman (wife Leah) and Harmon (wife Janette), and daughter LuAnn (husband Robert).  She was blessed with 5 grandchildren (Andrew, Elyse, Sam, McKenna, and Lindsey) who were the love of her life.

Other surviving family members in the US include her niece, Julie Wong (husband Ken).  She is also survived by 5 brothers in China (Hui Zhong, Hui Lie, Hui Yuen, Hui Kang, and Hui Li Bao).

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, December 17th at 10:30am at the Santa Paula Presbyterian Church, 121 Davis Street, in Santa Paula.  Attendees are encouraged by the family to write down their memories/stories of Ann.  A light lunch will follow in the fellowship hall.  Donations can be made in Ann’s name to the Santa Paula Presbyterian Church or the Santa Paula Education Fund.




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