Mrs. Bernadette Wong

Born in Guangchow (Canton) in the Republic of China, she was the youngest of 5. Her father, widowed when she was a toddler, then remarried. Thus, she came to have 3 half siblings.

By late 1938, the Chan family relocated to a nearby village in Zhongshan. In 1942, she and her older sister were sent to an Aunt in Shanghai as both her parents' health began to decline; rendering her an orphan by age 15.

A lifelong Catholic faith developed as she attended nursing school administered by The Institute of Franciscan Sisters at Shanghai General Hospital in the International Concession. Nursing work here continued up until her departure to Hong Kong in 1949.

From 1950 to 1960, she was a nurse in Kowloon, Hong Kong at Saint Teressa's Hospital - The French Hospital. Marriage then brought her to Canada.

In 1960, she relocated to Prince Rupert, BC as the wife of Phillip Kit Wong, a postal worker. By 1963, she had given birth to 3 children.

In 1972, a move to Vancouver led to 27 years of work at the Balmoral Hotel. By retirement, her Head of Housekeeping responsibilities had expanded to overseeing 5 Sahota Group Downtown Eastside hotels.

After full retirement in 2000, her days were usually spent within walking distance of the Renfrew Heights home she cherished and had resided in since 1972.

At 85, with Dementia, she remained independent with the assistance of walkers, a stairlift and part-time help. A final move was made to nearby Metrotown, in Burnaby in 2020 at age 90 with her husband and 2 daughters.

She is survived by Husband Phillip Kit Wong, Daughters Marie, Catherine and Son David together with Daughter-in-law Brenda and Granddaughter Emma.

Funeral Services & Burial

Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Forest Lawn Funeral Chapel & Cemetery

3789 Royal Oak Avenue

Burnaby, BC

Visitation 9am to 10am

Funeral Service 10am to 11am

Graveside Service 11:30 to 11:45

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Please find the donation button below.

Fond memories, photos and comments of condolences can be also be shared below for the Wong Family.