Florence Fong Ling Chou

Florence F.L. Chou, 96 years old of Chicago, IL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Florence was born on May 13, 1927 in Hong Kong and was the beloved wife of the late Mark; loving mother of four children, Raymond Chou (Helen), Jadine Chou (Thomas), the late Samuel Chou and the late Theodore Chou. She was also the proud grandmother of four grandchildren, Janice (Andrew), Julie (Matt), Mark (Vivian) and Jennifer, to whom she was affectionately known as “Ni Ni.” She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Lee, Owen and Miles, who she adored beyond words.

Florence believed in the importance of a positive attitude and leaned on her resiliency even during difficult times. While young, she endured the World War II occupation of Hong Kong. She recounted the danger to her and her family but persevered by always looking for the good in others. She also learned to speak four languages, which would help open doors in the future.

Her father, who had a small café, felt that everyone deserved opportunities, believing a little help could go a long way. Florence saw his kindness and generosity in offering food to those in need, never turning anyone away. Florence’s mother was a proud matriarch who ensured that the family’s children could attend good schools. Inspired by her parents, young Florence decided she wanted to explore the world to pursue her dreams.

Florence immigrated to the United States in the 1950s where she married her husband, Mark. They established themselves in Chicago and started a family. She became a US Citizen in 1966.

As a homemaker, Florence raised four children. While she loved to enjoy leisure activities like entertaining at home, movies and shopping, she always made sure that schoolwork was a priority for her children. She emphasized that it didn’t matter what career her children selected as long as they worked hard and that it was something they enjoyed. She was proud that they were able to attend schools like Northwestern University and Harvard University. In teaching her children to have a strong sense of responsibility to others, she never raised her voice, relying on encouragement and support.

Florence was adventurous and loved travel, especially visits to family in Hong Kong, China and Australia. These included banquets with the precious opportunity for everyone to get together. Her family was a priority, with weekly phone calls to her sister who lived in Sydney. She sponsored her brother’s immigration to the United States prior to the British handover of Hong Kong back to China.

Friends described Florence as selfless, outgoing and generous. She loved to host weekly mahjong parties at her home where the highlight was the scrumptious Chinese dishes she prepared from scratch. The mahjong games could get very competitive, but Florence’s easygoing nature meant that everyone left feeling like a winner.

Into her early 90s, Florence was still meeting up with friends at Chinatown to catch casino buses to Indiana. Casino staff knew her to be a frequent, good-natured guest. She would humbly brag that she knew the secret to beating the slots.

Florence always had a lovely smile and maintained a positive outlook. She subscribed to the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” And this was her secret to a long and full life. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org.

Private services will be held.