By Tilda DeWolfe
Services were held recently for Monterey Park resident Nancy Tak Chi Ng Lau, passed away March 30 at the age of 90.  She was the mother of Monterey Park Councilman David Lau.

Born in Toisan, Canton Province, China in May of 1917, Mrs. Lau had lived the last thirty years of her life in Monterey Park.  Friends said she was a loving, giving person who made a difference in the lives of those she touched. She was frequently seen at city events and participated in her son’s (David Lau) installation and swearing-in ceremonies.
Her father was a District Mayor in Toisan and her son David would later be a Mayor in Monterey Park, California - so many miles away.  She must have been very happy about her son.
Mrs. Lau and her mother were both teachers in China.  She gave up her teaching after marrying George Yau Yuen, owner of a magazine distributorship.  Mrs. Lau soon had a family to take up her time. In her late forties she sadly became a widow and struggled to raise her children. She had wanted to be a nurse herself, but never had the chance to pursue the necessary education; like many devoted mothers she nonetheless saw to it that her children were well educated.
In 1971 she was fortunate to have her mother sponsor her (and her brother) coming to the United States, where she later became a citizen.
Mrs. Lau was an active member in her church, the Chinese Evangelical Free Church of Monterey Park.  She had become a devoted Christian and volunteered regularly at her church. She helped the needy when she could and was always available to help family and friends in "simple acts of kindness." 
She was twice honored by community organizations in Southern California as "Mother of the Year." Her family describes her as a woman of great integrity, fairness, and a passion for helping her community.
It is with great sadness that her family and the community mourn her passing.  She was quite ill of late and was finally taken by pneumonia.
Three sons, a daughter, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive Mrs. Lau.  Her sons and daughters-in-law are David and Cecilia, John and Kam Har and J.T. and Lily.  Her daughter and son-in-law are Elizabeth and Yet Dan.  Her grandchildren are Michael, Tony, Dan (wife Lillian), Christopher, Gerald, Michelle, Jenny, Katy, and Cindy (husband Thoron). Great-grandchildren are: X-Zavier, Phoebe, Priscilla, and Asia.
Mrs. Lau was loved and respected by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family members, whom she loved and treated in an equal and fair manner. Her son David says, "she taught me the importance of integrity and serving the community". He quotes her saying "giving provides more joy than taking" and even though others treat us unjustly, we should still forget and forgive them!"