Wai Ching Wong of Toronto (Walkerton) passed away on Monday, December 14th 2020 in her 92nd year after a full and interesting life.
Wai Ching (Yu) was born on January 8, 1929 in the District of Taishan in the Province of Guangdong (formerly Canton) in China.
She was born into an upper middle-class family and enjoyed many of the luxuries of life, even having her own domestic assistant. As a young girl, she was a bit of a tom boy, and was often found climbing trees, and catching fish and freshwater shrimp in the neighbouring rice paddies.
Wai Ching attended Wuxi Middle School but had to drop out due to World War Two and the Japanese invasion. She then met her future husband Yip Cheong (Henry), who was from the neighbouring village of Dakeng. Although the relationship was frowned upon due to his lower social status, it was true love, and they were married and their three daughters (Mabel, Gina and Linda) were born. Their early years were financially challenging. Her husband started a soap manufacturing business with some friends, but it soon after closed. He then opened a small general store making wine and selling rice and cooking oils.
Wai Ching and her family left China because of the Communist Party and moved to Hong Kong. Life continued to be hard and her husband decided to go to Canada to make a future for his family. He left for Canada in 1952, leaving his family behind in Hong Kong. He arrived in Saskatchewan where he had family connections, and worked washing dishes, cooking, and working in a general store to make money to send back to Hong Kong. His grandfather had moved to Canada in the 1880’s, meaning members of the Wong family have been in Canada for over 135 years now. During this time, Wai Ching was living in a tiny one room apartment looking after the children. Her husband was unable to afford frequent trips back home to Hong Kong, and it was sometimes 2-3 years between visits. Daughter Ling and son Dan were born in Hong Kong.
Enough money was finally scraped together to move the family temporarily to Regina, Saskatchewan in 1965. They heard of a restaurant opportunity in Walkerton and arrived in 1966 to start the Chinese restaurant, The Walkerton Grill (where Brown’s Pharmacy now stands). The family further grew with the arrival of John and then Meeling. Although life was tough working 18-hour days, 7 days a week, they saved enough money to build their dream restaurant, The Golden Wheel (where The Guest House now stands). Here, they held many banquets for local dignitaries and business merchants each Christmas in appreciation for welcoming the family into Walkerton. The Wong family enjoyed making Walkerton their home and supported Walkerton over the many years.
Wai Ching’s passion was her family, and she devoted her entire life to her family. During tough times, she would make homemade clothing and harvest vegetables from her large garden. Her second love besides her family, was her love for gardening, and she would seek peace working amongst her flowers alongside her daughter Mabel.
After many decades of hard work, Wai Ching made Toronto a second home to be close to her other family members. She enjoyed the Chinese culture of Toronto, and of course had another large garden to enjoy. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She will be greatly missed.
Survived by children Gina (Mike) Kwang, Ling (Ernest) Yu, John, and Meeling all of Toronto, and Dan (Sandra) of Walkerton. Dearly missed by grandchildren Anna (Ayan) Deb and Robbie Kwang, Nikita and Tianna Wong, and Jasmine and Iris Yu. Predeceased by her husband Henry and daughters Mabel and Linda.
A private family funeral was held at Sacred Heart Church, Walkerton followed by interment at the Walkerton Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Walkerton & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Cards available at Cameron’s (519-881-1273). Donations and condolences may also be made online at www.cameronfuneralhomes.com
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Monday December 14th 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Wai Ching Wong Monday December 14th 2020..
Décès pour la Ville:Walkerton, Province: Ontario