Doreen Affat

Doreen Affat (nee Date Chong, Hsieh Ju Lian) passed away peacefully in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA on 3 May 2016, aged 86. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James, and daughter, Beverly.

Doreen was the wonderful mother to Vivienne, Colleen, Vernon, Cynthia, Richard, Gerald, Laura, Wayne, Bernice, Clive; and dearest grandmother to Paul, Jessica, Rob, Alex, Courtney, Caitlin and Adam.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, May 19, 2016, 10:00 a.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming, Albuquerque, NM, USA. Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at St Francis Xavier, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.


Floral tributes may be sent to, FRENCH-Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque NM 87109.
If desired in lieu of floral tributes, check donations may be made to;
Chinese American Citizens Alliance Albuquerque Lodge; for the "Scholarship Fund, In Memory of Doreen Affat"; 9505 Cargo Avenue, NE; Albuquerque NM 87109, USA.
Donations may also be made online to St Francis Xavier via EFT as follows*, or made at Sui Hing Hong, 17 Commissioner Street, JHB First Chinatown; or at the Memorial Service at St Francis Xavier, Port Elizabeth, RSA.
*Please use as reference "D.Affat. Your name... .."
A/C Name: St Francis Xavier Building Account
A/C Number: 084974265
Bank: Standard Bank Branch: Newton Park Branch Code: 051001
Swift code: SBZA ZA JJ



Tribute to Doreen Affat (June 13, 1929 - May 3, 2016)

Doreen Affat (nee Date Chong, Hsieh Ju Lian), 86, passed away peacefully on the night of Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Born on June 13, 1929, Doreen spent most of her childhood years in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, with a short time in China.
Doreen married James Affat on December 5, 1948. During their 56 wonderful years of marriage, they were blessed with seven children.
Doreen, the devoted wife and partner, worked daily alongside James in their family business until retirement. She was an active member of the Port Elizabeth Chinese community, supporting the Moi Yean Association, the Lightning Sports Club & the home grown unplugged Starlight orchestra whose signature tune was "In the Mood". Later, when living in the USA, Doreen volunteered with the Meals On Wheels organization and participated in many of the functions held by the Chinese American Citizens Alliance and the New Mexico Chinese Association.
Doreen loved cooking and entertaining, and was at her happiest when spending time with family and friends. Her talented culinary skills, of which she was renowned, brought enjoyment to all who were welcomed into her home- young and old alike. "Have you eaten" was taken to a new level with the meals she prepared- she transcended eating into a bonding, pleasurable experience. It became a family tradition to always "cook up a storm" especially at Christmas.
She kept in constant contact with her nearest and dearest family and friends around the world. Skype allowed her to share the latest news and information as if they were in the same room and not oceans apart. She had a timeless elegance, and her smile, wit, hospitality and caring nature touched so many hearts in the communities wherever she lived.
After their well-earned retirement, Doreen and James travelled extensively- renewing ties and making new friends, before relocating to Albuquerque, U.S.A.
She and James loved gardening, the silver screen and music from the big band era. Doreen even became a Beatles fan after hearing their music constantly in our home. They were also avid fans of golf, tennis, the NBA and missed the cricket and rugby that were not extensively covered in the USA. They enjoyed life to the fullest and were always willing to help in the community.
Doreen enjoyed scrapbooking with her good friend, the late Marge Quan- she lovingly preserved the significant milestones in our family history.
Doreen is remembered fondly by her dear siblings: Arthur (Fei Tsin), Peggy, Percy (Irene), Gilbert, Ronnie (Doris), Cecil, and Rosalyn (Marshall); her loving children: Vivienne, Colleen and Vernon, Cynthia and Richard, Gerald and Laura, Wayne, Bernice and Clive; her cherished grandchildren: Paul, Jessica and Rob, Alexander, Courtney, Caitlin and Adam; and her numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She clearly remembered the names of every family member, as well as the individual names of their respective spouses and children. She had a deep connection with all the family who have expressed profound sadness at her passing.
Doreen was preceded in death by her esteemed parents, Hsieh Nee Fook and Li Moi Kuen, her beloved husband James and daughter Beverly, and her dear siblings, Harry, Winnie and Frank.
Doreen is now with the Lord and is sorely missed. We look forward to meeting up again.
The family of Doreen Affat extend their gratitude and appreciation to all family, friends, doctors and caregivers who gave her much love, care, support and happiness along the way throughout her life.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

Rest in Peace, Mom.
Vivienne
Colleen and Vernon
Cynthia, and Richard, Paul, Jessica and Rob
Gerald and Laura, Alex, Courtney
Wayne
Bernice and Clive, Caitlin, Adam