Mrs. Kong was predeceased by her husband and her parents, along with an older sister and older brother. She is survived by her five children and sons-in-laws, six grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She was also aunt and great aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Kong was born October 27, 1929, in the village of Mai Ong Jon, the city of Huadu in Guandong China. She married her husband, Leung of 50 years in 1947. They migrated to Hong Kong during the Chinese Civil War in 1950, where they had 4 children. Her husband migrated to the United States in 1957 to establish himself so that he could bring his family for a better life. Mrs. Kong was a single parent for over 10 years before the family joined Mr. Kong in 1968 in Ukiah, California. Their youngest daughter was born shortly after in 1969.
For over 30 years, Mrs. Kong worked in the family’s two grocery stores; first at State Market in Ukiah and then at Penny Fair Market in Cloverdale. There wasn’t a job that she didn’t do at the store; from stocking shelves, taking care of the produce, butcher, and cashier. She worked incredibly hard throughout her life, very rarely taking a day off.
When she retired, Mrs. Kong enjoyed gardening, playing mahjong, watching Chinese operas and her favorite TV shows including Let’s Make a Deal and the Price is Right. Always up for new adventures, she also travelled abroad and across the United States with family. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends and occasionally going to the Casino. Mrs. Kong was known for her Chinese New Year treats from turnip cakes, fried dumplings, flower cookies, joong (Chinese tamales) and so much more. She rarely ate the wonderful things she made as she would rather share with her family and friends.