Obituary of Shirley Wong

December 15, 1934 – Kaiping Guangdong, China

August 31, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with extreme sadness and heavy hearts that we announce our Mom, Shirley Wong’s peaceful passing on August 31, 2023, surrounded by her entire family. Mom was the matriarch of our family, and she will be remembered for her grace, kindness, and generosity. Mom will forever be in our hearts, memories, and missed dearly.

Mom was born in Kaiping Guangdong, China, and immigrated to Canada in 1952. She joined her father, Tai On Long, and settled in Carmangay, AB. Mom met Dad, James Wong, when Dad made a trip to Carmangay, hearing there was a pretty Chinese girl there. They married in 1955 and were together for 61 years.  Mom worked at the Foothills Medical Centre as a dietary aide for over 25 years, where she had several friends and missed only one day of work. After retirement, Mom was active in the Calgary community, participating with Wong’s Affinity Association, Queen Elizabeth High School’s ‘Mom’s Cafeteria Volunteer Program’, and the Chinese Ladies’ Choir. Mom also travelled extensively with Dad and family members, creating cherished memories.

Mom’s greatest passion and accomplishment was raising her family and spending time with all of them, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Evenings during holidays and weekends playing Mah-jong with family were always a highlight for Mom and it was she who usually won. Mom’s passion in horticulture developed and cultivated one of University Heights’ most beautiful home-based flower gardens.  Mom’s culinary talents were renowned; prime rib dinners, orange chiffon cake, carrot cake, zucchini (grown in her garden) chocolate loaf, tapioca pudding, and watercress soup were all greatly enjoyed by family and friends.  After raising six children, taking care of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mom took on raising and training five family dogs in her NW Calgary home. She was the consummate caregiver, giving her love, time, and energy so generously.

Shirley is survived by her six children, Elaine (David), Susan, Dana (Dennis), Glenda (Gerry), Quinn (Arla), and Tammy (Kevin); her five grandchildren, Stephanie (Trieu), Matthew (Jennifer), Dylan, Jade, and Kate; and her two great-grandchildren, Ryann and Evan.  She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews in China, USA, and Canada.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, James Wong (2016), and parents Tai On Long (2000) and Loo Woon Kwai Long (1976). She was also predeceased by her two sisters and brother.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of the Foothills Medical Centre - Units 111, 112 and 62 for their care and compassion in Shirley’s final days.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the viewing at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB.) on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB.), on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at McInnis & Holloway. Interment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared and viewed with Shirley’s family at www.MHFH.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made directly to the Heart & Stroke of Alberta, www.heartandstroke.ca, and/or the Calgary Humane Society–SPCA, www.calgaryhumane.ca in Shirley’s memory.

In living memory of Shirley, 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.