Helen (Kim Tai) Wong

With her daughter and son in law by her side, Helen (Kim Tai) Wong passed away peacefully on April 16th, 2008 at the age of 87 years. Helen Wong was born in Hoy Ping, China on July 12th, 1920 to Chang Wing Kee and Wong Lun Loon. She grew up in a small village in China, along with her two older sisters and two younger brothers. Helen immigrated to Canada in January 1957 and on February 2nd, 1957 married George (Yee Foo) Wong. Many folks in Moose Jaw will remember George as part owner of the Exchange Café and, in later years, owner of Wong Real Estate. George and Helen were lifelong members of the Chinese United Church. Helen worked as a seamstress for CanaDays apparel for twenty years, retiring in 1985. She was a master at sewing, knitting and crocheting and was able to replicate any piece of clothing without the need of a pattern. She loved her garden and, between every spring and fall, would spend all of her spare time in her yard. Her garden was neat and organized, without a single weed. Proudly, she would share her home grown vegetables with her family, friends and acquaintances. Since she was a frequent rider on the city bus, she would bring her vegetables to the bus drivers. Those who were guests in her home could see that she had a knack for indoor plants as well. Her basement was filled with geraniums, Christmas cactus and spider plants. Helen was an industrious woman, both at work and at home. Helen was the best Chinese grandmother (“PooPoo”) to her three grandchildren Donald, Andrew and Melanie. These children were the loves of her life and she enjoyed every minute of playing and caring for them. In March 2001 she became a resident of Guardian Grove unit at Providence Place, where she resided until her death. Despite the progression of dementia, she remained feisty and spirited almost to the end. The family would like to thank and acknowledge the compassionate care to Helen by the Guardian Grove staff. Helen was a favorite resident to many of the staff who affectionately called her “grandma”. Helen was predeceased by her parents; four siblings; two step daughters Poi Ching and May; and stepson Ken. She was widowed in August 1982 when her husband George died. She leaves behind her daughter Mary Lee, son in law Earl and grandchildren Donald (Tessa), Andrew, and Melanie Booth. She also had two surviving step daughters, Dr. Lei Ching Wong and Alice Wong; as well as step grandchildren Paula Kuan, David Kuan, Roger Wong and Brian Wong. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 19th, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Rev. John Carley will officiate and a private interment will take place at a later time. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 18th, 2008 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen’s name to the Guardian Grove Unit at Providence Place, 100 – 2nd Ave. N.E., Moose Jaw, Sk, S6H 1B8.