Mabel Fong Lum

Mabelle Lum, 97, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025. 

Born in New York to parents from the Canton region of China (now Guangdong Province), Mabelle carried forward a legacy of strength and independence rooted in her mother’s defiance of foot-binding traditions. That spirit shaped Mabelle’s own life of resilience, compassion, and curiosity. 

She helped raise her siblings while supporting her family, later attending Mary Mount college and getting married to her life long partner - George Lum. Together, they built a life grounded in perseverance and love, ensuring their children had opportunities they had once gone without. 

Mabelle was a devoted kindergarten teacher, admired for her warmth and humor. After retiring from teaching—and a brief stint at a New York bank that was robbed twice—she turned her energy toward community and exploration. She volunteered extensively with the Long Island Chinese Circle, promoting Chinese culture and traditions, and played a role in launching New York City’s Head Start program, supporting early education for low-income families. 

An avid traveler, Mabelle explored the world with joy, visiting China, Spain, Korea, Brazil, and Japan. She remained active in travel organizations and cherished lifelong learning well into retirement in Florida. 

She was predeceased by her husband George, her sister, and her three brothers, and daughter-in-law Colleen. She is survived by her sons Allen and Jay, daughter-in-law Donna, grandchildren Nicole, Chris, Kyle, and Kiara, and great-grandsons Cooper and Luca—born in 2024, like Mabelle, in the Year of the Dragon. 

Her life was a testament to courage, generosity, and enduring love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.