Fayha Lee Wong

Fay was born in a Toishanese village during WWII to a large farming family. She was the 7th child, 2nd to the last of 8 children altogether. There were first 5 boys, then came her older sister, she and a younger sister. The girls in the family were her parents’ prayers come true. These kind prayers set the life for Fay. She understood that even as a girl in a strong culture that preferred boys that she was wanted. Thus cementing her open mindedness and acceptance of people as they were throughout her life.

Fay lived a simple but happy childhood mostly with her mother, sisters and one older brother that was closest in age to them. Her father passed shortly after her little sister was born. Due to the vast age difference her eldest brothers were drafted to fight in the war, some were never seen again. One brother was found in Hong Kong living well in 1980 when there was open communication to the outside world permitted by Communist China.

On August 1st, 1961 Fay married Bon Guey Wong in the utmost finery allowed by a rationed Communist China. They lived as good a life as possible with three children under closely supervised circumstances. In 1979 with a new changing of the guards, the Wong family were allowed to emigrate to America separately with the older children following their father, the younger child remaining at home with her. In June of 1980 the entire family were reunited in Seattle, thus beginning their life as Americans.

Life in America was typical of many immigrant families of every era from many countries. Fay at some point worked several jobs and at least 16 hour days to support her family. Through it all she was still joyous and full of kind thoughts for all who were around her. Since both she and Bon Guey were from larger families, together they often offered food and housing for the less fortunate friends of their son to just have noise, love and family in the house.

In late 1994 Fay welcomed her grandson Alac into the world and again in late 1996 her second grandson Bryan came. Her two grandsons were the light in her life. There was nothing that made Fay more proud, joyous and happy than to be in the light of her two grandchildren.

Throughout the latter half of Fay’s life, her constant joy were the grandchildren. They in turn loved and respected her. At every instant possible Fay rejoiced in the amazing grace, generosity and kindness that is family. Her message was clear and concise hence her legacy will forever be revered as family.

Fay is survived by daughter Sally Honey Zeng (nee Yan Hon Wong), son-in-law Xian Guang Zeng, daughter Jean Sook Wong, daughter-in-law Dan “Diane” Li (Christopher Alan Payne), grandson Alac Young Wong, grandson Bryan Young Wong. She was preceded in death by husband Bon Guey Wong and son Ark Chen Wong.

Fay’s memorial service will be held at Butterworth Funeral Home on Queen Anne on Friday May 27th, 2016 at 1pm. Her burial will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery at 2pm. A celebration of her life will be held at Joyale Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown at 3pm.

A special thanks to the dedicated staff at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue and Kin On Community Health Center in Seattle who took prestige care of Fay during her last days; Alan Payne, pastor, for leading the prayers, and Dustin Louie for joining our prayers on immediate notice.

An additional thank you for all our family and friends who joined us in celebration of Fay’s life.