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Erline Wong Obituary
Erline Lowe Wong, 91, died peacefully on May 12, 2010, surrounded by her family. Fun and feisty, she was passionate about many things including all sports, especially tennis, country western music, politics, good Chinese food, crossword puzzles and most of all, her family and friends.
Born in Beaumont, Texas on August 26, 1918, she and her two siblings were raised in San Francisco by her widowed mother. She excelled in sports on Chinatown's playgrounds and was described by Chinese Digest as "Chinatown's foremost all-around girl athlete." After graduation from U.C. Berkeley, she went on to obtain her Masters Degree in Physical Education at the State University of Iowa. Just back from WWII, her future husband, Herbert Wong, met her on the tennis court in San Francisco's Chinatown and married her six weeks later. She was a wonderful wife and a funny, energetic and loving mother. Erline was a teacher for over 40 years, first of PE, then in her later years, of English as a Second Language and Citizenship. A good part of her retirement was spent at the Vacaville Racquet Club playing as much tennis as she could fit in a day.
Erline spent the twilight of her life in the quiet comfort of her home in Davis with her family, cared for with great love and tender devotion by her husband, Herbert, and her friend, Cathy. On unpredictable occasions and to the delight of her family, her irrepressible enthusiasm and joie de vivre would shine through the cloud of dementia like a ray of sunshine. She was an irreplaceable treasure to those who loved her deeply including her husband of 61 years, Herbert, daughter Gail (Kerry), son Vernon (Jody), grandchildren Kelly, Garrett, Mimi and Chelsea, sister Helen and caretaker and friend, Cathy Leeper.
Burial will be private. A reception and celebration of Erline's life will take place this summer. Please contact the family for details (530) 756-3402. Remembrances may be sent to support the St. Mary's Capital Campaign to build a new school in Chinatown, http://www.stmaryschinese.org/Campaign/Capital-Campaign.html. Those who wish to sign a guestbook online may do so at www.wiscombefuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Erline Wong
3 Entries
Chris Lungstrum
May 19, 2010
So sorry to hear of Erline's passing. I had the priviledge of playing many a doubles tennis game with her years ago in Vacaville. We played religiously twice a week for many years. I was always amazed at how she spun the ball! She was always a delight to play with and I loved her outlook. Chris Lungstrum
Butch Kim
May 17, 2010
Uncle Herb & family,
Very sorry to hear about Auntie Erline's passing. We all remember the good times we had playing tennis down at Chinese Playground & how my parents would stop on Pacific Avenue to talk with Auntie Erline & you about the good old days & what was going on with the families.
Linda, Richard, Butch, Bill, & Don
Richard Kim
May 17, 2010
Our thoughts are with you with . We have fond memories of the Wong family, Chinese playground tennis in the 1950s and later years.
the Kim Family
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