Jeannie Fong's Obituary
Low Choi Chun (Jeannie Low Fong) was born on December 8, 1931 to Kong Low and
Chun Quai Heung in Chungshan, Sar Ping Ha Village, Guangdong, China. She
was the eldest of four children. Her sister Wong Low Wai Noong preceded her in death.
Surviving siblings are sister Kwai Lin Fong and brother Low Buck Quan.
On November 27, 1948 Low Choi Chun married Eddie K. Fong. They remained partners
for over 70 years until Eddie passed on October 10, 2019. Together, they boarded the converted
WWII ship General Gordon on September 22, 1949 and immigrated to Oakland, California
where they became residents for over 70 years. They had 3 children: the late Linda Fong Ng,
Elaine Fong, and Glenn Fong.
As with many hard-working young Chinese immigrant women of that generation, she
became a mother of three children by the time she was only 20 years old. She was very proud of
her children and encouraged them to excel in school.
Low Choi Chun also worked as a seamstress for over 35 years. After arriving in America,
she learned how to sew professionally. She worked at various sewing factories until she retired in
the early 1980’s.
One of Low Choi Chun’s proudest moments occurred on September 22, 1961 when she
became a naturalized U.S. citizen, whereupon she adopted Jeannie Low Fong as her new
American name. Although Jeannie did not have a formal education, she passed the required
English and Civics classes to pursue her desire to become an American.
In spite of limited educational opportunities, Jeannie was able to converse in multiple
Chinese dialects, and to read and write in Chinese.
During her early retirement years, she and Eddie often took walks to Crown Memorial
Beach in Alameda, babysat grandchildren, prepared huge assorted Chinese entrees for weekly
family dinners, and enjoyed bus trips with friends to nearby regional casinos.
Through the years, Jeannie enjoyed many family trips to destinations like Disneyland,
Hawaii, New York, Washington DC, Alaska and Canada. She also made a special homage trip
back to her home village Sar Ping Ha in China, visiting other Southeast Asian countries as well.
Jeannie Low Fong was 91 years old when she passed away on March 4, 2023 after a short
illness. She is survived by daughter Elaine (Wilmer) Fong, son Glenn (Lillian) Fong and son-inlaw Raymond Ng.
She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Trina (Teddy) Park, Lori (Ben) Montgomery,
Christie (David) Lau, Gregory (Lisa) Ng, Joey (Suan) Fong, Ashleigh Fong, Alyssa (Chris)
Clawson, and Caitlin Fong; also 11 great grandchildren: Isabella Park, Zachary Park, Joshua
Montgomery, Elliana Montgomery, James Montgomery, Asher Montgomery, Elijah
Montgomery, Emma Lau, Mason Lau, Alessandra Ng and Cassidy Ng.
Jeannie’s greatest pride and joy in life were her family. She especially loved and adored
her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In this, Jeannie Low Fong’s life was richly blessed.
The memory of her kindness, friendliness and devotion to family will be forever cherished.
What’s your fondest memory of Jeannie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jeannie?
Share a story where Jeannie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jeannie you’ll never forget.
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