Anna Chow
April 8, 2021
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunty, and dear friend, Anna Yin Tai Ching Chow, 94, of Hilo, died peacefully on April 8, 2021 at Hilo Medical Center. She was born in Honolulu into one family but adopted and raised by another. She was fortunate to have had these two loving families in her life. She was the last remaining child of ten siblings.
Anna attended Pacific Union College in California following her graduation from Hawaiian Mission Academy in 1946. She met Matt while at HMA. They corresponded when he moved to Michigan to attend Andrews University. Anna followed Matt and they married in 1950. Anna received her teaching degree from AU in 1952.
Anna began her teaching career at Buchanan Elementary in Michigan. She returned to Hawai'i and continued teaching at Mauna Loa School, Hakalau Elementary, and retired from Keaukaha Elementary.
Anna was a devoted and an active member of the Hilo Seventh-day Adventist Church. Ever the educator, Anna taught Sabbath, Vacation Bible School and vegetarian cooking classes. She enjoyed harmonizing with her beautiful alto in various church choirs. She directed the Youth Choir and was instrumental in developing the Annual Women's Ministry and Retreat. Anna also participated in the Dorcas Society which provided services to church and community members. She enjoyed worshipping with and engaging with her church family.
Matt and Anna enjoyed traveling when they retired from teaching in 1986. They spent numerous summers visiting their children and their families in California, Wisconsin, and in Europe. They enjoyed several cruises and made trips to Canada, China, Hong Kong, and Mexico. They toured the western United States in an RV and visited many friends and relatives.
Anna loved to cook, bake, and collect recipes. She loved to read, especially the daily papers, learn new hobbies, raise houseplants, and play Scrabble. She and Matt valued their health and walked daily around their hilly neighborhood.
Anna is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Matthew, daughter, Sharolyn (Tom) Parry of Brookfield, WI, son, Craig (Joanne) Chow of Gardena, CA, daughter, Loriann (Peter) Bazan of Sonora. CA, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2021, 4-6 p.m. at Dodo Mortuary Chapel, 199 Wainaku, Street, Hilo. Casual attire is welcomed while masks and social distancing will be required. A private service and burial will be held on Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Homelani Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers or koden, the family requests contributions be made to a favorite charity or plant a tree in her honor.
Mahalo nui loa to the staff and personnel at Hilo Medical Center and Hilo Legacy Rehabilitation and Nursing for your compassionate care of Anna.
Anna, Mom, Popo, Aunty, dear friend, we will miss your happy giggle and loving, kind, compassionate, and caring soul. Rest in God's love until we meet again. You will never be forgotten and will forever remain in our hearts.