Jessie Yee Wong

The youngest of five children of Mr. Tin Mon Yee and Mrs. Wong Shee Hee, Jessie was a child during The Great Depression and a teenager during World War II, two events that shaped her values and the person she was to become - a kind, gentle and compassionate woman.

Jessie grew fond of our military men and women, ever grateful for their service to our country. As a teenager, she volunteered to roll bandages to help our soldiers and became pen pals to many troops overseas.

She attended the University of Nevada Reno for two years before her marriage to Tong Wong of Phoenix. They had four children Alan, Wendy, Gayle and Arlen. Jessie and Tong owned T & Y market in Central Phoenix before opening another grocery store near 32nd Street and Thomas in 1953 in what was then considered the northeast part of Phoenix. The new store was called Northeast Market. Tragically, her first husband, Tong, died of an illness and Jessie was widowed with four young children, including a newborn.

Jessie married Mike J. Wong and they had three children, Michael, Tamara and Susie. The family operated the grocery business that served nearby neighborhoods for nearly 40 years before Jessie and Mike retired in 1996.

Jessie is preceded in death by her parents and siblings Poy, David and Frances and her first husband Tong and second husband Mike.

She is survived by her older brother Dr. Peter Yee of San Jose, Calif., her children Dr. Alan Wong (Pat) of Reno, Dr. Wendy Ong (Tim) of Glendale, Gayle Wong (Dr. Andrew Presto) of Phoenix, Arlen Wong (Judy) of Phoenix, Michael Wong (Robyn) of Phoenix, Tamara Wong (Gary) of Huntington Beach, Calif. and Elaine Susie Wong of Chandler, Ariz.

Jessie is survived by her 12 grandchildren Amber Kakimoto (Erik), Alan Jr., Jessica, Bradley, Michael, Madison, Bryan, Thomas, Garrett, Mark, Briana and Spencer; and her great-grandchildren Karly and Katey Kakimoto.

In addition, Jessie is survived by several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jessie’s best times were spent with her family. She was a tireless worker- sewing and cooking at all hours of the day. She always gave and rarely took and she prided herself on being a simple person. She had a keen sense of humor and an uncontrollable laugh that brought her to tears when triggered by a corny joke or funny observation. She stayed up to date on news and current events as she could tell you what was happening inside the Beltway in D.C. or the latest celebrity breakup in Hollywood.

Even though she was a successful business owner, Jessie looked forward to the Wednesday newspaper food ads to find the latest bargains so she could stock up on the best buys and of course, she used coupons on top of that.

Jessie was beloved by many people and was a loving wife, a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandma.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday December 29 in The Serenity Chapel at Greenwood/Memory Lawn Cemetery 719 N. 27th Ave. in Phoenix. A celebration of Jessie’s life will follow at 11:00 a.m.