Kathleen Lau Ong

Kathleen Lau Ong (Lau Wai Wah), February 18, 1919-November 2, 2016, was born in the village of Num Hoy, Kwongtung, China to Lau Jick Lum and Lau Woo Soo Cum. She was the beloved wife of Fred Y. Ong, celebrating 70 years of marriage.

Kay immigrated to the United States on the S S President Coolidge. She entered Angel Island in San Francisco, California December 9, 1939 with a student visa. Kay graduated from the University of Southern California in 1945 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After a proposal on South Mountain she married Fred Y. Ong August 18, 1946 at the Hotel Westward Ho in Phoenix, Arizona. Together they ran the Farmer's Super Market in Phoenix. Not being a licensed driver, Kay would have to take the bus to the bank to get money to be used as change. She finally learned to drive in 1947 and was busy chauffeuring her daughters for years to come.

Kay became a naturalized citizen March 20, 1950. Besides working at the grocery store Kay worked in several businesses, her last one being Sperry Rand (now Unisys) from March 1966 until retiring April 1981.

Kay enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, bowling and gardening. She gifted blankets and apparel to many relatives and friends. She also participated in line dancing lessons with her friends. Along with her husband Fred she participated in many community activities such as PTO officers for Maryland Elementary and Washington High Schools, and organizations such as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, First Families of Arizona, Ong Ko Met association, Lung Kong association and their own Arizona Chinese Public Relations Company. Although not a listed member of these organizations, she participated with ideas and accompanied her husband Fred to many events. Their weekends were filled attending dinners for weddings, red egg baby parties, and political events. Both she and Fred enjoyed traveling around the world. When the girls were younger, there were many weekend car trips within the state of Arizona and visiting relatives in California. Later in life they took cruises and bus tours, often with visiting Chinese dignitaries.

She is survived by daughters Eileen Yeung (Tony, MD), Teri Lee (Jeff, MD) Jacque Ong (Larry Burbine), Belinda Ong , Melinda Ong; grandchildren Christopher Yeung MD (Helen), Kimberly Yeung-Yue MD (Michael), Brian Yee, Tina Burbine, Kelly McAlister (Shane), Alicia Lee and Jeffrey Lee (Cate); great grandchildren Ashley, Lauren and Dylan Yeung, Karsen and Mikayla Yue, Jeffrey and Jacob Lee, McKenzie Yee Jensen (Matthew), Tyson and Jett Yee and Brooke Diforte. She was preceded in death by her daughters Betsy and Laura, grandson Brandon Yee, sister Louisa Lau and brother Lau Yee Kang

Services will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018 at Greenwood Memory Lawn Serenity Chapel, 2300 W Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85009 , visitation at 10:00, service at 11:00. For condolences and memories, please visit www.Greenwoodmemorylawn.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials may be sent to First Chinese Baptist Church, 4910 E Earll Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85018; American Legion Thomas Tang Post 50, 4408 E Hearn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032 or the charity of your choice.

To view Fred's obituary please visit: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/phoenix-az/fred-ong-7939803