Betty P. Wong

At 104 years, Betty Pon Wong, beloved wife, mother of five children, grandmother of nine and great grandmother of six, passed away peacefully in her home in Denver, Colorado on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

Betty was born on June 6, 1916 in Tai Shan County, China. Her mother was a school teacher. Her father operated a clothing store and restaurants. She was educated by her mother in the village school. In 1934, she married Tack Wong, who had migrated to the United States. Because he served in the US Army during World War II, he was able to bring his family over from China.

Betty and their children joined Tack in Albert Lea, Minnesota in 1947. Betty and her family later resided in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in the early 1950’s and moved to Denver, Colorado in the early 1960’s. She partnered with her husband to run various restaurants in Denver. They raised three sons, William, Robert, and Terry and two daughters, Tillie and Jean.

Betty was the proud matriarch of a large, extended family. She was supportive and encouraging to family and friends. Betty was a tough, feisty, independent woman and also funny, caring and kind. She was known for her cooking, especially an array of delicious Chinese dim sum as well as healthy Chinese soups for her family. She was active in the Women’s Club of the Wong Family Association and served as President. Her 100th birthday was celebrated by Al Roker on the NBC Today Show.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Tack, daughter, Tillie and granddaughter, Kristine. She is survived by four children, William (Fong), Robert (Judy), Terry (Bobbi), and Jean (Ron) two brothers, Ling Shun (Sue Jean), and Lee (Janet), a sister, Kwan (Jim), eight grandchildren, Lane, Jay, Kevin, Mei Lan, Jason, Andrew, Jennifer and Allison, six great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.