Regardless of our origins, many Americans are united by a common thread – brave ancestors who, at one time, sought a new life of opportunity in America. Many immigrants crossing the Atlantic arrived on Ellis Island, a name that will ring familiar in many Americans ears. Those crossing the Pacific arrived at Angel’s Island, off the coast of San Francisco, where, in the 1920s, thousands upon thousands were held. They were interrogated and screened before they were told whether they were allowed to enter the United States or that they must return home.

Originally from Canton, China, Mari Chan’s family came to the United States in the early 1920s. After enduring the degradation of Angel’s Island, the Chans were one of the families who were allowed entry to the United States. A new beginning, a new land of opportunity in which young Mari Chan would build her life. Mari Chan reveled in this new life. From her father’s Chinese theater, to translating for the Los Angeles Police, to acting on Broadway, Mari Chan has had a fascinating life. She is one of those Americans whose rich character and desire to thrive has made America what it is today. “My father was part-owner of a Chinese theater in San Francisco. When I was a little girl, I spent much of my time with the actors and actresses. I often went with my mother to the Chinese opera; that is where my love for theater first began,” explains Mari. Every once in a while, Mari would act in a minor role, and eventually, her talent was noticed by a Chinese opera producer. Mari’s talent would soon be fostered by some of the best Chinese actors and dancers in the world.

When her parents divorced later on, Mari stayed with her mother in the United States. She went to Catholic schools where she was introduced to the Catholic faith. She also dedicated herself to learning to speak Cantonese on her own, which came to be quite useful later on in Chinese opera.

“During the war, we used to do a lot of benefit shows. Eventually, I was asked to be in American theater as well. My favorite role was Liat in South Pacific,” she continues. Mari was busy. “Show business was fickle, so I opened a shoe store in Chinatown in addition to acting and studying,” she continues. Although Mari was now a business woman, she continued to do performances. From Broadway to Hong Kong, she traveled all over the world. Later, Mari closed the store and worked for the County Collection for General Hospitals. After that, she worked in the Custody Division of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. “I was the top secretary in the Custody Division, and I was also called in for translations in Cantonese and Mandarin. Sometimes, they would call me to a crime scene at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning! I retired from that, but they still called me in to translate from time to time,” she remembers.

With all this, Mari still found time to thank the Lord for her success. Even on the road, she made sure to attend Mass. She came to know the Missionary Oblates when she heard about the Oblates in Lourdes and the Lourdes Grotto at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. “I went to Lourdes, France, once when I was younger. It was an extraordinary experience and I have a special devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes. That is how I came to understand the Oblates and the wonderful work they do,” says Mari.

Today, Mari is enjoying her retirement in Alhambra, California.
Mari has also blessed the Oblates through gift annuities. “The Charitable Gift Annuities through the Missionary Oblates allow me to give to the Oblates while offering myself and my son financial security,” Mari explains.

“Whatever God gives us, we have to accept,” says Mari. Mari has not only accepted what God has given her, but she has overcome a great deal and she has taken her God-given talents to bless others. She has blessed the world in countless ways through her vibrant spirit, her talent, and her generosity toward those in need. Thank you Mari!