Ma Choy Chin

Choy Chin peacefully passed away Saturday, October 28, 2017, surrounded by family. She was born April 4, 1928, in the village of Hai Ping Nan Lon, Taishan, Guangdong, China. At 18, she immigrated to Hong Kong where she met her husband, Tin Chin and together, they raised seven children. In 1969, the family immigrated to Guam with hopes for a better life; and in 1972, they continued their journey to Roseburg, OR, to fulfill those dreams.

In 1975, the family founded Canton Restaurant in Winston, OR. Later, they sold the business to build Kowloon Restaurant on Diamond Lake Blvd in Roseburg, OR. Kowloon, meaning Nine Dragons' in English, was named for the nine members of the family. Choy Chin accomplished her dream of owning and operating a restaurant and in that spirit, worked there well into her 80s.

She is survived by her seven children, eleven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Her husband, Tin Chin, preceded her death in 1991.

Choy Chin derived great joy and pride from owning and operating the family business. She was industrious, persevering, and devoted to her family and their family business. Relationships with others enriched her life and she made quick friends with those who did not share the same culture or even language. She was the matriarch, a bedrock, and above all, an amazing woman. Choy Chin will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Her memorial service is on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at 12 p.m. at Wilson's Chapel of the Roses, 965 W. Harvard Ave., Roseburg, OR. Her Celebration of Life follows at 4 p.m. at Kowloon Restaurant, 2686 NE Diamond Lake Blvd, Roseburg, OR, after a private family gathering.