Kang Kia Hong passed away peacefully on March 26th, 2025 at 8:45 pm surrounded by all four of her children and four of her grandchildren. Two weeks prior, she had been diagnosed with stage 4 bile duct cancer, a condition that had gone undetected despite suffering symptoms for over a year.

Born on December 11th, 1937, in the town of Pematang Siantar, Indonesia, she was one of twelve children of Chinese immigrants from Puning, Chao Zhou, China. Her early life was marked by social and political upheaval with twelve siblings all growing up under Indonesia's Dutch and Japanese colonial occupations, its war for independence, and the violent turmoil of Suharto's uprising (1965–66). On September 23rd, 1956, she married Tan Hai Guan. They had five children and adopted three orphans into the family. They lost their first born son from high-fever at the age of six. To make ends meet, Kang Kia Hong financially supported her family by orchestrating various home ventures with her children. She was a talented cook and energetic host, inviting extended friends and family for grand feasts on special occasions. When her husband suffered a paralyzing stroke in 1983, she lovingly cared for him until his passing in 1985. She then moved to the United States to live with her son in Atlanta, Georgia for the next 40 years.

Kang Kia Hong was a devoted grandmother. She took great pride in caring for her nine grandchildren, passing down her Chinese and Indonesian traditions. Through them, she had three great grandchildren. For many years she attended the Atlanta Chinese Christian Church (ACCC) and the Indonesian Community Church (ICC). As a respected elder, she was fondly known as "Mama Tan." Despite losing mobility in her later years, she continued to bring joy and kindness to her community. Kang Kia Hong forged bonds through her cooking and colorful character; she planted flowers, trees, and indoor and outdoor gardens; and she was known for her generous and giving nature.

Strong-willed and big-hearted, Kang Kia Hong lived an abundant and fulfilling life. She is survived by her beloved children: Tan Hwi Phin, Tan Wei Siong, Tan Hwi Tjen, and Tan Wei An; and grandchildren: Yulico, Gilbact & Devris Wijaya; Ian, Isabelle & Iona Tan; Sharon Soh; Amy & Irwin Tan. Her legacy lives on.