Lillian Sille Ma

Lillian Sille Lee Ma, who passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, was born on October 28, 1932, in San Francisco, California, to Way Kung Lee and Ting Gay Hom. She was preceded in death by her older sister, Betty Lee Hom, and her younger brother, Robert Poy Lee. She is survived by her beloved husband, Gordon Toy Ma, and her younger brother, Richard James Lee.
Lillian grew up in the vibrant Chinatown district of San Francisco, where she formed lifelong friendships, including those with fellow members of the St. Mary’s Drum Corps. During her high school years, she met her future husband, Gordon Toy Ma. She worked as a medical stenographer before they married in 1955 and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Gordon attended medical school at Marquette University.
After his graduation, the couple returned to San Francisco for his residency and training in general surgery. During this time, they began raising their family. In 1964, they moved to West Sacramento, California, where Gordon joined Dr. Gaing W. Chan in private practice.
Lillian is survived by her loving husband, Gordon; her five children: Gregory (Claudette), Christopher (Doris), Jeffrey (Helen), Janine (Tod), and Joellyn (Jonathan); twelve grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
With her husband devoted to a busy surgical practice, Lillian dedicated herself to raising their family. She took on many roles—chauffeur, cook, housekeeper, and disciplinarian—while creating a warm and loving home.
For more than 61 years, Lillian and Gordon have been devoted parishioners of Our Lady of Grace Church. Lillian lived her faith through deep involvement in numerous Catholic organizations. She led the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine for many years, stepping down only after all of her children had received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Her passion for teaching continued as she later founded the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults at her parish.
As her younger children grew older, Lillian expanded her service within the Catholic community. She became active in the Sacramento Diocese, beginning with the Sacramento Deanery and eventually serving as president of the Sacramento Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. She also devoted many years to the Catholic Ladies Relief Society, where she served as Grand President. In these roles, she worked tirelessly alongside bishops and fellow leaders to advance the role of laywomen in the Church. She also enthusiastically recruited and mentored others in ministry and leadership, and in particular, enjoyed the camaraderie of the many friendships she developed while traveling and visiting various parishes throughout the area.
Outside of her faith, Lillian and Gordon shared a love of travel, exploring Europe, China, and East Asia, and enjoying several cruises together. Lillian also found joy in sewing, crocheting, and knitting—thoughtfully creating a unique sweater for each of her grandchildren.
An accomplished and generous cook, Lillian was especially known for her Chinese cuisine. She expressed her love through food, often preparing elaborate meals on short notice and welcoming both family and friends to gather around her table.
Lillian will be remembered for her warmth, leadership, playfulness, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith. Her legacy lives on in all those whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lillian’s memory may be made to Our Lady of Grace Church, 911 Park Blvd, West Sacramento, CA 95691 or the Asian Community Center in Sacramento, 7334 Park City Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831—please specify ACC Care Center and Lillian Ma in the memo.
A Celebration of Life Service is as follows:
Our Lady of Grace Parish
911 Park Blvd
West Sacramento, CA 95691
Thursday, May 7th – Vigil and Visitation
5:30 – 8:00 pm
Rosary at 6:30 pm, followed by Celebration of Life sharing
Friday, May 8th – Catholic Mass and Eulogy also at Our Lady of Grace Church
11:00 am
Private interment immediately following (family only)
St. Mary’s Cemetery and Funeral Center
6509 Fruitridge Rd
Sacramento, CA 95820