Christine Roberta Fong

MAY 4, 1937 – SEPTEMBER 3, 2024

Christine (“Chris”) Fong passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at home in Sacramento, California, with family by her side. In 1996, she successfully battled breast cancer. In 2022, she was diagnosed with metastatic carcinoma. She courageously rose again to chemotherapy, radiation, and oral chemotherapy. She faced her health challenges the same way she lived her life: with brave strength, demanding spirit, yet with a giving heart and big-sister grace. Ultimately, the cancer led to her recent decline.

Chris was born in Sacramento, to Fong K. Shee and Wee Ping Fong, immigrants from rural Guangdong, China. Her parents came to America and settled in Sacramento with hopes for a better life and to build a family. Chris was the second eldest of 12 children. She, along with her siblings worked on the family farm producing California tomatoes and Bartlett pears. Chris attended Lincoln Elementary and Junior High School and graduated from Sacramento High School.

It was at the family home in town on Warren Avenue where she met Robert (“Bob”) Fong, from Willows. Bob moved to Sacramento after graduating from Chico State University. Their relationship sparked after attending an adult fellowship event for “out of towners” sponsored by the Chinese Community Church (CCC). Chris married Bob on December 11, 1966, at CCC. Their first child, daughter Holly, was born in 1967. Their son, Jonathan (JR), was born in 1971.

Chris was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She was also a big sister, aunt, and generous friend and neighbor. Inspired by her own hardworking Mom and mother’s friends (“Aunties”), Chris found great fulfillment in taking care of family, giving respect and care to her elders, and making meals for friends and community.

Beyond her caretaking of sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and her own children, she is most known for her talent in making traditional Chinese foods – gai loong, new mai gai, and potstickers. She belonged to the exclusive order of “Joong Masters” at CCC where she and Bob attended church most Sundays and enjoyed the fellowship of life-long friends and servants. In addition to her talents as a wonderful cook, Chris loved to sew, knit, find deals with Bob, and tend to her beautiful garden.

Chris was through and through Sacramento Proud. She was a lifelong LA Dodgers fan, a season ticket holder of the Sacramento Kings, and loved to chant “Light the Beam.” She lived a wonderful, full life always surrounded by family and friends. She will be missed but remembered, with a lifetime of memories for those she leaves behind.

Chris is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Bob; her children, Holly Pon, Jonathan “JR” Fong (Candace); and her 4 grandchildren: Carter and Audrey Pon, Riley and Sydney Fong. She is also survived by her siblings Lorrie Kimura (Russ), Rolland Fong (Amy), Carol Fong, Tom Fong, Lana Chong (Elvin), Joey Lee (Don), Ron Fong (Shawna), Dennis Fong (Shelley), and Debbie Seid. She was preceded in death by her parents, elder sister Yvonne Soo, siblings in-law Bob Soo, Jerry Seid, and Mary Fong, and nephews Mark and Paul Soo.

A service is planned for 11:00 am on Friday, September 20, at Harry A. Nauman & Son, located at 4041 Freeport Boulevard in Sacramento.

Donations in Chris’ memory may be made to: Chinese Community Church (memo: Senior Meals Ministry), 5600 Gilgunn Way, Sacramento, CA 95822.