Lasting Memories

Margaret Ma
Sept. 4, 1925-March 3, 2018
Menlo Park, California

Margaret Feng-ya Chang Ma, a retired science librarian beloved by her family and friends, died on March 3 in Palo Alto. Margaret, 92, and her late husband, Dr. James Ma, were long-time residents of Palo Alto and Menlo Park. Born in Changsha, China on September 4, 1925, Margaret was the granddaughter of Louise Van Arnam and Rev. Huie Kin, founder of the First Chinese Presbyterian Church in New York City. Her father, Fuliang Chang, and her mother, Louise Huie Chang, worked on China’s rural reconstruction, her father serving as General Secretary of the National Christian Council of China. Her parents’ example led Margaret to a lifetime of compassion, faith and service. Margaret overcame the hardships of war and revolution to pursue an education and a career, successfully combining a family and professional life. She graduated from the esteemed Ginling College in 1947 and emigrated to the U.S. In 1948, she received her M.S. in Biochemistry from Ohio State University, and she and James married. James earned his Ph.D. and they moved to Pennsylvania. They lived in West Chester and Yardley, PA, where they were active in the Quaker community, whose values of equality, simplicity and integrity guided Margaret throughout her life. When the youngest of her four children entered preschool, Margaret began working at Princeton University’s East Asian library collection. The family moved to California in 1969, and Margaret earned her M.S. in Library Science at CSU Fullerton. She worked as a science librarian at Occidental Petroleum and Quadrex Corporation for 22 years. Margaret was a devoted community member who served as a bridge between cultures and generations. She tutored foreign students at Stanford and served meals to the homeless, among many service activities. She is survived by her sister, Katharine Wang of Silver Spring, MD, daughters Louise and Kathryn (Sanford Kingsley) of San Francisco, son Philip (Jennifer Ong) of San Carlos, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her eldest son, Christopher (Nathalie Gilfoyle) of Washington, D.C., predeceased her. She inspired many with her resilience, graceful bearing, intellect, hard work, delight in the successes of others, and kindness to all.