Ruth Wai Wong's Obituary
Ruth (Wai Lan) Lieu WongFebruary 20, 1912 – February 21, 2011Beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Ruth Wong, passed away on February 21, 2011. Her family had assembled to honor her at her bedside the evening before, on her 99th birthday.Her husband, Hogan Wong, predeceased her in 1990. She and Hogan worked side by side for over 20 years in the market they established on Alameda's Park Street in 1934. They raised two children, daughter Sandra and son Rodney.Ruth was born and grew up in Oakland. She had two siblings, Ralph and Ramona, who predeceased her. Her grandmother was one of the Chinese girls who were sheltered by Donaldina Cameron in the now-historic Cameron House in San Francisco's Chinatown in the late 1800s. Ruth loved music, gardening, reading, needlework and painting. When she was young, she enjoyed playing the piano and was known to have a sweet singing voice. When she and her husband retired from their business, they spent their summer months in their cabin retreat in Yosemite. They would welcome their children and grandchildren there every year, as well as close relatives and friends. While her husband fished, Ruth would sketch or collect interesting rocks and natural materials. The cabin is their legacy to the three generations that follow them.Ruth is survived by her daughter Sandra Yee (Franklin), son Rodney Wong, grandchildren Audrey (Michael Steiner), Stephanie (David Rivas), Laurence (Rupsa), great grandchildren Sam Steiner, Elena, Pilar and Nicolas Rivas, and Evan and Jared Yee.The family will always be indebted to their friend, Shirley Azares, for her loving care of Ruth during the last 20 months of her life. A memorial service will be held at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland CA, on Sunday, February 27 at 2 p.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Ruth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ruth?
Share a story where Ruth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ruth you’ll never forget.
How did Ruth make you smile?