Daisy Margaret Lem

Born in the Philippine Islands and immigrating to the United States at the age of 16, Daisy was a survivor. She lived through World War II as a child on the islands, escaping to the foothills of the mountains during the invasion by the Japanese soldiers. Daisy witnessed horrific scenes of wartime, a child should never see. She traveled by ship to the United States at the age of 16 with her 13 year old brother, Bob, joining her mother, Cora, and brother John, in San Francisco. Daisy graduated from Commerce High School in San Francisco and married Joe Lem in 1960 after enduring a bad first marriage. Joe and Daisy raised their three children Arleen, Jocelyn and Mark in North Beach. At the young age of 48, Daisy survived colon cancer. At the age 63, she lost her husband Joe to cancer and eventually relocated to Walnut Creek, California.

Daisy was full of love for her children, grandchildren and her great granddaughter. Not only did she raise her children, but was a big part of her grandchildren and great-granddaughter’s upbringing. In 1983, Daisy opened her family daycare in her home in order to care for her first grandchild, Shannon. Daisy furthered her education and obtained her Certificate in Early Childhood Education at San Francisco State University, followed by opening a preschool, “Daisy’s Daycare” on Union Street in San Francisco, The preschool accommodated up to 60 children, including her granddaughter, Shannon, with several teachers in her employ.

Daisy devoted her time to serve God. She was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Broadway Street in San Francisco. She served as a Eucharistic Minister, Catechism teacher and Music Director. Both she and her husband, Joe Lem, were instrumental in gaining landmark status for Our Lady of Guadalupe when it closed in 1992.

Daisy loved the arts, especially music and dance. She painted several art pieces, wrote poetry and an autobiography, played the guitar and would sing not only in church, but with family and friends. In her elder years, she learned the art of hula and enjoyed karaoke. While living in senior residences later in life, she was always the first to jump up to dance at the community parties, and would grab the hand of anyone and everyone to join her in a jitterbug.

Daisy was full of life, love and music to her last days. She is sorely missed by many. Daisy is survived by her children Arleen Lombardo, Jocelyn Lem and Mark Lem, as well as her two son-in-laws, Nick Lombardo and Robert Thompson. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Shannon Lem (grandson-in-law Jess Jackson), Nicholas Lombardo, Anthony Lombardo and Gabriel San Diego, and her great-granddaughter, Sophia Lem-Pogorzelski. Lastly, she is survived by her brothers, Robert Davis and John Shearer and her sister-in-law, Ardis Shearer.

A Memorial Mass & Service will be held on Friday, October 21 at 11:00 a.m., St. Peter & Paul Church, 666 Filbert Street, San Francisco. Daisy has asked everyone attending wear PINK, her favorite color, in celebration of her life