Yuk Ching Tong

1931 - 2016

Yuk Ching Tong

September 11, 1931 – April 28, 2016

Yuk Ching Tong passed away peacefully the morning of Thursday, April 28th at age of 84 with her family at her side, after battling her illness for the last several years. She was known for her devotion to her family and friends.

She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by children Linda Tong, Curlman Tong, Anna Tong, and Edward Tong; her siblings Peter Ng, Yuk Kwei Mok, Yuk Kuen Ng Sin, and Laura Cheng, as well as by all of her grand nieces, grand nephews and multiple extended family member; within United States, China, Hong Kong, and Europe.

Born in Kwangtung, China on September 11, 1931, she learned from a very young age the meaning of a hard day's work and supporting a family. In 1942 her parents moved to Hong Kong opening a fish market which still exists today. In 1955 she married Johnston Kan Tong; moving with him to the United States in 1956.

She was a housewife with four children while her husband worked on the American President's Cruise Line. In 1964, she became a naturalized citizen in United States. When her husband passed away from cancer in 1966, she was left to raise four children on a single income. She provided for her children the best she could with what she had. She was proud and never expected a hand-out, charity, and much less pity. Because her family was so important to her, she started the process of bringing her siblings from Hong Kong to United States. The family would not be in the United States today, if not for her efforts. In the mid 1980's, she took on the responsibility of caring for her mother, Yup Siu Ng Mok. In 1995 at the age of 64, she retired and enjoyed her Chinese TV programs, spending time with family and friends, and cooking for everyone. In 2004, with her health declining, she moved to daughter's home in Foster City where she was cared for by daughter Anna. She enjoyed life in her new home watching the cooking channel, visits and outings with her children and other family members, and visits from a dear friend who cooked delicious and wonderful traditional Chinese food. In 2014, she moved to Fook Hong San Francisco Care Home so she could have 24 hour care. She enjoyed her new friends and activities; karaoke, coloring books and bingo (note; she always won) until her passing.

Yuk Ching will be especially remembered for her contagious laughter, and the way she made her family and friends feel truly loved. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from her over her 84 years, among them: to go after your dreams and not be afraid to do the things you want to do; to LOVE with your whole heart; to work for what you want in life; and knowing that to understand someone else is one of the kindest, most compassionate things you can do for them.

Her beautiful smile, her ability to make others feel comfortable, and her generosity made everyone feel as if they had a unique and special relationship with her. In fact, every person in her life really was special to her. She was always available to cook a favorite dish, lend a sympathetic ear, or share her cooking skills. She was regularly referred to as "Mama Tong" by many.

Mom, we will miss your gentleness and your guiding hand. No one will ever replace your presence, we will miss you everyday of our lives and you will be forever loved, cherished and remembered. We love you more than words can say.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 7th at 12:00pm at the Green Street Mortuary located at 649 Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94133. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chinese Hospital of San Francisco, 845 Jackson Street, San Francisco, California, 94133. Attention: Office of Fund Development. Check should be made payable to "Chinese Hospital" with "in Memorial of Yuk Ching Tong' in the memo line, or you may go online at http://www.chinesehospital-sf.org/ If you visit the new Chinese Hospital Building, there is a mosaic dragon with a dedicated tile with our mother's name.