Kathleen Joyce Hom (Gin-Yee) was born to Bok Him Hom and Pearl Wong on May 30, 1958 in Fairfield. She was the third child having two older brothers, Rick and Leonard. The family moved to many cities eventually settling in San Leandro where they lived and owned a restaurant.
While growing up, one of her favorite pastimes was going to her mother's family reunions of eleven siblings where Kathy enjoyed the great times playing with her many cousins of all ages.
In high school Kathy developed fast typing skills inherited from her mother who typed 100 words per minute. It was also in high school that Kathy started attending Chinese Bible Church (CBC). During most summers Kathy attended the CBM (Chinese Bible Missions) Mount Hope camps. It was at one particular camp that Kathy was sitting on a log crying her heart out because of some unimportant argument when Wes Yee came along and talked with her about Christ. Afterwards Kathy accepted Christ and became a born again believer. She then had a new purpose in life and her warm, loving heart and smile grew bigger than ever.
It was September 1984 when Kathy first met David at an A's baseball game. They discovered that besides being A's fans, both were also Raiders fans. Their relationship grew and they were married on July 6, 1985. Kathy exlored serving in different ministries at Chinese Independent Baptist Church (CIBC), but discovered that her real joy was working with children and she served in Beginners and Children's Church for many years.
As much a Kathy loved working with children, she discovered problems conceiving which led to thoughts of adoption. However, God saw her love for children and answered her prayers to have her own. God blessed David and Kathy with three children: Christian, Kandice, and Zachary.
Kathy continued expressing her love for children in MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and many years of Vacation Bible School (VBS) at CIBC, Redwood Chapel, and San Lorenzo Japanese Christian Church. Kathy also earned an Early Childhood permit leading to a position as a preschool teacher at Bright World Preschool in Castro Valley.
Kathy loved connecting and reconnecting with people through social networks such as Facebook. Her chats and smiles brought comfort and joy to many who may never have met her face to face. She will be greatly missed by many, but will be remembered for her heart for her Lord.
