Obituary of Sho Ying (Donna) Dong

March 18, 1932 - Hoi Ping, China

July 4, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Donna Dong, beloved wife of Young Tai Dong, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at the age of 91 years.

Donna (Sho Ying) Dong was born on March 18, 1932, in Hoi Ping, China. Donna had a happy childhood and was adored by her parents. She was an ambitious young woman, attending teacher’s college and accounting school in Beijing.

She immigrated to Alberta in 1955 and one year later married her beloved husband, Don. They started their life together in Elnora, Alberta, and worked at Star Light Café. Two years later they moved to Calgary and opened “Family Groceteria” on Centre Street which they happily operated for 57 years. It was recognizable by the bright pink storefront and bedding-out flowers in the summer, but mostly well-known for Don and Donna’s wonderful customer service. They knew all their customers by name and became well-loved in the Tuxedo community. Working hard to support their family, they never took a day off until they retired in August 2015.

Donna could enter any room and know at least ten different people and she would always make sure to say hello and treat you as if you were old friends. She had a love for life and was always ready for a good laugh. She was passionate about her gardening and many of her customers and neighbors enjoyed the fruits of her labor. She was always curious to try different recipes and loved cooking and caring for her family.

Always ready to help others out, she used her skills from teacher’s school to write letters for friends to send back to China. Don and Donna were regulars on the dance floor, she really missed her dance partner and they’ll be happy to dance together once more.

Donna will be remembered for her welcoming and gregarious spirit, her unfailing ability to bring out a smile, and her joyful attitude. We hope to carry that joy in our hearts forever.

She is survived by her five children: John (Nellie), Dennis (Susan), Judy (Albert Lui), Jeanie (Michael Chau), and Debbie; fourteen grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m; whereafter funeral services will follow. 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Buffet Yangtze Restaurant (4190, 901 64 Ave NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 7P4). Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Sho Ying (Donna) Dong, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.