Mary Kim Wong

Mary Kim Wong, 97, of Minneapolis, passed away on May 8, 2025. Mary (Ma Gim Jon) was born on May 24, 1927, in Toishan, China, to King Ying Chu and Tai Hop Ma. In 1947, Mary married an American G.I., Albert Wong, in China. They emigrated by ship to the United States the same year. They had six children over 15 years: Chilly, John, Gary, Linda, Tom, and Mona. Mary and Albert managed and cooked in the cafes they owned in the 1950s and 60s, first in Cheyenne, WY and later in Aberdeen and Huron, South Dakota. They moved to Minneapolis in 1967, and she spent the remainder of her life raising her children and caring for family and friends. Mary and Albert also sponsored many members of their families, and others, to come from China and Hong Kong to live in the United States. They provided counsel, translation, and both practical and emotional help to the community. Mary was an avid fan of the Minnesota Lynx and liked to say that she never missed a game. She was an excellent mahjong player and was a regular at the monthly luncheons of the Chinese Senior Citizens Society. Mary had an adventurous spirit and an uncomplaining nature and was always up for a drive and a bite to eat. She liked growing flowers in her yard and had a definite sweet tooth. She enjoyed making things with her hands, and sewed clothes for her children. Mary was an expert at crocheting and knitting, which she continued to do all her life. She also had favorite TV shows and watched I Love Lucy every morning before going to work at the cafe. In later years she watched The Golden Girls, The Price is Right, and All My Children. She made twice-weekly visits to the Wasie Pool for around 15 years until it closed during the pandemic, and she very much enjoyed all the friends that she had there. Mary loved shopping, and got a new swimming suit every year or two. She loved getting her hair done and did her own nails - impeccably. Mary was a good cook and enjoyed spending time with her children. She was cheerful and had a ready smile and joyful laugh. Mary's life exemplified strength and resilience. Mary is survived by children Chilly Lin, John Wong, Gary Wong, Linda Chin, and Mona Wong (Melinda McGowan), many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and one brother, husband Albert Wing Juen Wong, son Thomas Wong, son-in-law Steve Wasserman, and daughter-in-law Susan Wong. Visitation will be Sunday, May 18 from 3 to 6 pm and Monday, May 19 from 10 to 11 am at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th and Highway 100. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 19 at 11 am at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel. Interment will follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Tributes

Mary Kim Wong

May 24, 1927 - May 8, 2025

Tributes

Mary Kim Wong

May 24, 1927 - May 8, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203