Chung Sung Oak, lovingly known to so many as Song Ok Tate, or simply Mama Song was born on December 28, 1953, in Busan, South Korea. In 1978, she made the journey to the United States, beginning a new chapter of her life. Through her marriage to Albert Tate Jr., 74, she became a U.S. citizen and eventually made Long Beach, California, her home. Over the years, Long Beach became more than just a place where she lived, it became the community where she built her life, formed meaningful connections, and shared the kind of love and kindness that made her unforgettable.Throughout her life, Song was driven by a desire to learn, grow, and experience new opportunities. She worked for several companies, but one of her most memorable and cherished experiences was working at Boeing Aircraft Company as an Aerospace Assembler. She took pride in her work and the life she was building. Mama Song was a woman of resilience, strength, and a spirit that could not easily be dimmed.If there is one thing those who knew Mama Song will always remember, it is her heart. She was strong yet gentle, charismatic yet humble, and as sweet and loving as they come. She had a way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and at home. Her generosity was not something she simply talked about; it was something she lived every day.Mama Song showed her love through one of the most beautiful and universal expressions of care, food. She loved to cook, and she made it her business to feed the people around her. Neighbors, friends, and loved ones knew that if they were near Mama Song, they were going to eat. And saying no was rarely an option! For her, cooking was about so much more than putting food on a plate. It was her way of saying, “I care about you. You matter to me. There is always room for you here.” Her kitchen and her generosity brought people together, creating memories and connections that will be treasured long after her passing.Becoming a grandmother brought Mama Song a special kind of joy. She embraced the role wholeheartedly, pouring her love into her granddaughter, Renai Carter. The bond they shared was irreplaceable, built on a love that was deep, unconditional, and entirely her own. Mama Song loved Renai with her whole heart, and that love will forever be a part of Renai's life. The memories they created and the affection they shared will remain a precious part of her family's story.Mama Song passed away unexpectedly and tragically on September 5, 2026, at the age of 72. Though her passing came far too soon, the love she shared and the lives she touched will forever be a part of those who knew her.Song was preceded in death by her parents and her long time partner, John H. Bailey.She leaves behind her loving children, Steve Steffes and Sonya Steffes, and her beloved granddaughter, Renai Carter, along with all those whose lives were made better simply because they knew her.Though Mama Song's life ended unexpectedly, the love she gave was anything but fleeting. It lives on in the people she fed, the neighbors she welcomed, the family she cherished, and the countless memories created through her kindness. It lives on in every shared meal, every act of generosity, and every moment someone chooses to care for another person the way she did.Mama Song may no longer be with us in body, but the love she gave will never leave us. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, generosity, and unconditional love. Her legacy will continue to echo through her family and community for generations to come.Rest peacefully, Mama Song. Thank you for every meal, every act of kindness, every embrace, and every bit of love you gave so freely. You were deeply loved, you will be dearly missed, and you will never be forgotten.