Iris Wong

Iris Wong, whose maiden Chinese name was Htway Mee Chan, was the first born child of Yat Hong Chan and Swee Ping Wong, born on September 9, 1938 in Mergui, Burma. She was raised by her parents, and her unmarried uncle and aunts: U Ba Din, Yane Ku, and her favorite Lan Ku.
Iris attended St. Philomena boarding school in Rangoon from primary school through high school where she received English tuition alongside her two other siblings, younger brother George and younger sister Ivy. Iris received her formal education and Bachelor of Arts degree in English Composition, History, and Philosphy from Rangoon University in 1968. She worked as a primary and middle school teacher throughout her career in Burma.
Periodically, she would travel to Penang, Malaysia where she lived during her school breaks with her mother's family.
She married her husband Robert Than Lwin Wong in 1972. She had three daughters (Monica, Debra, and Lily) in Burma before pursuing a new life in America in 1975.
Iris and Robert immigrated to San Francisco and raised their daughters with the help of extended family. She worked night shifts as a key-punch operator while Robert worked day shifts as an instrument technician. Six years later they had a son (Terrence) in 1981, and their family was complete.
Iris was a devoted practitioner of Theravada Buddhism, committed to her daily rosary prayers and truly living by her Buddhist beliefs and principles. She was a well-loved, patient, and gentle spirit who easily made friends with the people who were lucky enough to cross paths with her.
Iris is survived by her children, Monica Ha, Debra Wong, Lily Hayes-Wong, and Terrence Wong; Son-in-law: Van Ha; Daughters-in-law: Janet Wong and Tamika Hayes-Wong; Debra's partner, Mary Convento; and Granddaughters: Zoe Wong (11), Ava Wong (8), Sage Hayes-Wong (8), and Phoenix Hayes-Wong (1).
All things are impermanent
They arise and they pass away.
To be in harmony with this truth
Brings great happiness.
~ Anicca Vata Sankhara