Merced celebrates life of ‘honorable’ Hmong woman

Hundreds of people gathered Saturday to say their last goodbyes to May Ying Mary Yang, a woman considered exemplary within Merced’s Hmong community.

Yang died on Nov. 22 at the age of 69. Her family waited until the passing of the Hmong New Year for funeral services.

As the wife of Ge Paul Yang, a well-known Hmong leader, Yang was recognized for her sacrifices in a four-day Celebration of Life event. Services began Friday at the Merced County Fairgrounds and will conclude today with a graveside service at Winton Cemetery District.

Yang was born in Laos, married at 15 and had nine children. In 1975, according to her biography, she fled civil war in Laos and landed in a refugee camp in Thailand.

“To understand the incredible skills, power and strength of my mother, one needs to realize that we were in the encampment in Thailand for a year,” her children wrote in a statement.

Paula Yang, Yang’s daughter and a Hmong women’s leader in the Central Valley who focuses much of her advocacy work on domestic abuse, said that despite not having any food or money during wartime, her mother was able to keep her children together and safe.

“It’s been a long-standing tradition of not offering recognition to a Hmong woman and the role she plays in Hmong society,” Yang said in a statement. “As a veteran’s wife, and our personal hero, I think it is time that we recognized her and give her the credit she deserves.”

Paula Yang said her father would not be the respected leader he is today without the support of his wife. Her mother is credited with loads of volunteer work and for encouraging her children and others to pursue formal education.

During her 30 years in the United States, Yang was known for her volunteer work ranging from preparing meals to providing community and family counseling. She never expected anything in return, her children said.

During Saturday’s ceremony, several local and state officials made an appearance, offering their condolences to Ge Paul Yang and family. Representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Rep. Jim Costa’s office, among others, presented the family with plaques and honors in recognition of Yang’s contributions to California’s Hmong community.

“This large gathering is a testament to Mrs. Yang’s commitment to her family, her traditions and our community,” said Merced City Councilman Josh Pedrozo, who shared some words on behalf of the City of Merced.

“The sacrifices that Mrs. Yang made to ensure her family’s safe arrival to America is a lesson to all people, Hmong or not, that the most important life lessons are learned through courage, inspiration and perseverance.”

This story was originally published January 10, 2016 at 3:31 PM with the headline "Merced celebrates life of ‘honorable’ Hmong woman."