Marion Aw-Yong Leung

Marion was born to a large Chinese family in the Philippines. In that society during those days, it was unusual for a girl go be permitted to go high school, but she not only finished high school in Manila but went on to the University of the Santo Tomas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

During her school days, she was very active in sports, engaging in basketball and swimming, and in other student activities. She met her future husband, Henry Leung during a student outing. They were married in 1950 and had four children.

Marion have always been a devoted educator. She taught high school for 20 years in the Philippines. In 1974, she and her family immigrated to Seattle. Marion went back to school to earn a Washington State Teaching Certification, and she continued her teaching career with the Seattle School District Bilingual Program for another 20 years before retiring in 1996. She taught at Beacon Hill Elementary, Schmitz Park Elementary, Gatewood Elementary and Wing Luke Elementary.

A consummate teacher, Marion had a hard time staying away from school. After her retirement, she continued to work at Wing Luke Elementary School on Beacon Hill, as a volunteer. She also recruited her neighbor to volunteer her time and share her knowledge with the students. Marion always said that working with children made her feel young and energetic. While with the school district, she met many good friends. She kept in touch with them after retirement, and they served as her support group during her last days.

Marion was active in the community as well. She taught English and Citizenship classes at the Chinese Information Service Center in the International district. She admired her students who were all seniors for having a desire to learn a second language in spite of their age. Her efforts also won her the respect of elderly citizens in the International District.

Marion was a devoted Christian and church activities kept her going. She and her late husband were two of the founders of Chinese ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. As Warden Emeritus of the Church of Holy Apostle in Bellevue, WA, the church was nurtured by her wisdom, and her advice was always sought before major decision.

Marion and Henry welcomed many newcomers into the church and made them feel welcomed. Their hospitality and genuine love for others made the tiny congregation appealing and grafted many into their extended family.

She was instrumental in many of the Church activities and programs. To help bridge cultural understanding, she taught English as a Second Language ESL and assisted with the summer program. She started a Cantonese class at her home, which was well attended by the members of her parish and of the Church of Resurrection, with whom Holy Apostles currently shares facilities and program.

As mother to her four children, Marion set high expectations for them and was a role model for them to follow. She encouraged them to do their best in their undertakings as they move through life. She worked hard throughout her life to support and sustain the family. She left her teaching career in the Philippines and immigrated to United States in hope of a better life for her children. Her children are all well educated and successful today because of her hard work and sacrifices. Marion's nine grandchildren brought joy to her life in their own special ways. She was always there to encourage and to cheer them on. Her loving and motherly nature brought everyone close to her, not only her children and grandchildren, but also her relatives and her students.

Marion is survived by her:

Son - Raymond Leong, his wife, Stella. Grandchildren: Denise, Danielle & Darrick.

Daughter - Margaret Kirk, her husband, Jeffrey. Grandchildren: Tara & Dana.

Son -Ralph Leong, his wife Mary. Grandchildren: Rebecca & David.

Son - Rocky Leong, his wife, Jane. Grandchildren: Christina & Alan.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

The following funeral activities are:

Inurment will be at the Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery 11,111 Aurora Ave North on Feb. 23, 2001 Friday at 11:00 AM.

Memorial Service will be at 2:00 PM the same day at Episcopal Church of Holy Apostles, 15220 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98007.

Remembrances may be sent to the Episcopal Church of Holy Apostles Church in memory of Marion Leung.

Those who wish to send a message, may do so to: [email protected]