FARMINGTON — Kam Wah Chin, 87, of Farmington, died peacefully on Christmas evening, Dec. 25, at Orchard Park Living and Rehabilitation Center, with her sons by her side.

She was born Dec. 28, 1923, in Kowloon, China, the daughter of Art Yen Lee and Bot Sing Lee. She enjoyed her youth, growing up on a family farm with many animals and beautiful flower gardens. When she became school age, she moved to Hong Kong to stay with her grandparents who owned a jewelry business.

She was educated in health care and volunteered in her community to help the sick and elderly. In 1941, her parents arranged a marriage to George Chin. Following his service during World War II, Kam and George moved to Pawtucket, R.I., to start a family restaurant with his five brothers.

A new husband, a new country, unfamiliar language, yet she adapted with a gentle style, commitment and courage. Kam was a dedicated homemaker. She excelled in cooking and seamstress work. She wrote her own cookbook and made the family clothing.

She and her husband were strict about their children’s education and homework, knowing that discipline and values would serve them well. Kam decided to become a U.S. citizen and with the help of her two sons who translated for her, she reached that goal of being a proud naturalized citizen in 1964.

She was a devoted Christian, having belonged to the Pawtucket Rhode Island Chinese Christian Church for many years.

She is survived by her sons, Frank Chin and his wife, Patricia, of West Farmington and Walden Chin of Farmington; two grandsons, Dana Chin of New York City, and Shawn Chin of Boston, Mass.; two brothers, Yee Pong Lee of Montreal, Canada, and Yee Pong Lee, Liverpool, England; one sister, Ling Yee Tam of Los Angeles, Calif.; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and friends at Orchard Park Rehab and Living Center, Farmington.

Tributes and condolences may be shared with her family at www.wilesrc.com.