Cynthia Chan Wong

1919-2014

On January 11, 2014, Cynthia Chan Wong quietly slipped away, despite protests from her three daughters. (If Cynthia was ready to leave, no one was going to be able to make her stay.) She was born on October 30, 1919 in Canton, China- the youngest of three children and only daughter born to Chan Dong Ark and Tsang Toung Tai.

Cynthia will be remembered for her independent spirit- her way of listening to her own drum. She was one of the first women to attend Canton University, where she majored in economics. It was not all study, though. It was rumored that she liked to play hooky on rainy days. Later, student life was disrupted by the Second Chinese-Japanese war. After university, Cynthia worked for China Airlines in Shanghai. There, she developed a knack for colorful language and after work enjoyed staying up until dawn playing pai gow with friends. With the ascendency of Mao, much changed in China. Cynthia, who relished her independence and freedom, found it harder to come by. So, in search for a better life, she decided to go to America…and that was a good thing! There, she met her late husband Jimmy Wong (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001-07-06/news/0107060363_1_new-chinatown-hong-kong-steak-restaurants) and had three (beautiful, of course) daughters- Ella, Rosalind, and Lisa. They settled in Chicago, where they owned and operated three Chinese American (what else?) restaurants. Jimmy liked to schmooze with the customers while Cynthia, the ever-present dragon lady with a watchful eye on business, kept employees hopping with her colorful use of Chinese slang. As a tiger mom, she and Jimmy raised their three daughters with the help of her mother Tsang Toung Tai- instilling the importance of education and providing where possible the many opportunities and benefits of living in America. Upon retirement, Jimmy and Cynthia moved to California. First to Redwood Shores (near San Francisco) where they enjoyed the sunshine and all of that great Chinese food and later to Santa Barbara to stay with daughter Ella. After Jimmy passed away in 2001, Cynthia moved to Arizona to hang out with daughter Rosalind and son-in law Martin Gibson. Cynthia was a fitness enthusiast. While living in Gold Canyon with Rosalind, she frequented the Sports Club at Superstition Mountain. According to the trainers, she was by far the oldest individual to regularly work out there. She was a star example that inspired others to workout and they in turn encouraged her. At age 90, Cynthia broke her hip. She was unable to resume her vigorous exercise routines, so instead concentrated on walking. Cynthia and Rosalind were often seen ambling around the neighborhood block. When the weather became too hot outside, they discovered the indoor track at the Apache Junction Multi-Generational Center (MGC). She continued her exercise routines and was seen doing laps at the MGC track and greeting friends just days before passing away.

A big thank you to the management and staff at the MGC and to all of the wonderful people who encouraged Cynthia every day. Special thanks to Dale, George, Natasha, Rachel, Christine…there are too many people to name. Jimmy, you are now the oldest person regularly working out there. Sorry, there is one less person slower than you on the track. A special thanks to Pilot Dave who would bring her Chinese magazines from his travels. Additionally, the family would like to express gratitude to the wonderful staff at Phoenix Palace in Chandler- Cynthia’s favorite weekend dim sum spot. Not only is the Phoenix Palace food delicious (no, this is not a paid endorsement), but Cynthia loved to laugh and chat with the staff in her native dialect. And great big thanks to the many caregivers and medical professionals who kept her going strong all of those years. Thank you Sheryl, Mi, Mayrene, and 阿 清. Thank you, Dr. Sampson. They don’t make doctors now like they used to. Helen and Doo-Sang, thank you for being there.

Cynthia was full of life to the end- actively engaging with the world and people around her and surrounded by the love of family and friends. She will be dearly missed.