Melinda Wong Romano

Melinda Wong Romano was born on 12/25/1951 and passed away in her daughter's arms on 01/02/2025 She was a kind and selfless soul who brought warmth and joy to all who knew her. Melinda was the heart of her family, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose love and thoughtfulness will be deeply missed.

Melinda is survived by her son, Michael Romano Sr., his wife Celani Romano, and their children, Michael Romano Jr. and Charles Romano. She is also lovingly remembered by her daughter, Kathleen Chris Livelo, her husband Jae Livelo, and their children Maegan, Remmel, Jae, and Gabriella, all of whom Melinda helped raise. She is further survived by her sisters, Jocelyn Wong and Clarissa Wong, and their families. She was predeceased by her parents, Julianna and Marcelo Wong, and her brother, Ricardo Wong.

Born in the Philippines, Melinda earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the prestigious University of Santo Tomas. Her career journey was diverse and inspiring. She worked for the Bureau of Internal Revenue in the Philippines before immigrating to the United States, where she began as a housekeeper in Chicago and later advanced to the accounting department of a hospital. After relocating to Daly City, California, she joined St. Mary’s Medical Center, where she retired as a Revenue Cycle Analyst.

Melinda’s greatest joy was her family and her cats Miso, Skee and Claus, Mia and Becca her dogs. She would more often than not say goodbye to the animals first and when she walked in they would be the first ones that they would greet. She was a dedicated mother who balanced her career by attending every event for her children and ensuring their needs were met with unwavering love. As a grandmother, she played an instrumental role in raising her grandchildren while continuing to work full-time. She eventually would move to wherever her grandchildren were just to be able to see them everyday. She lived in Hawaii, San Diego, and finally settling in Seattle, Washington where she lived with her daughter KC until her final days.

Known for her culinary talents, Melinda’s holiday dishes—like her signature ham and Filipino specialties—were the centerpiece of family gatherings. She also cherished lifelong friendships, staying connected with friends from her youth through weekly calls and reunions. most weekends started on Friday for her and her family, as they sang Karaoke, went out on Saturdays and after church on Sundays, eat out at her favorite Vietnamese Restaurant, Cat Sang, and during football season gather around watching football as she cooked and fed everyone with Lumpia Shanghai and embutido. Her final days were filled with family staycation trips to several resorts in Washington as well as her travels to the Philippines and visiting her son, Michael in Virginia just weeks before she passed.

Melinda’s legacy of love, resilience, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to all who mourn her passing. May her passing remind us of how fleeting life is and to cherish our loved ones and create as many memories as possible.

Fill not your heart with pain and sorrow,

but remember me in every tomorrow.

Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles,

I've only gone to rest a little while.

Although my leaving causes pain and grief,

my going has eased my hurt and given me relief.

So dry your eyes and remember me

not as I am now, but as I use to be.

Because I will remember you all and look on with a smile,

Understand, in your hearts, I've only gone to rest a little while.

As long as I have the love of each of you,

I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.