Obituary for Helen Fong

Helen Fong, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 86, on April 1, 2019 in San Francisco.

Helen was born on December 12, 1932 in a small village in Toisan, China to Park S. and Gat Wah (Yee) Lee. Helen and her mother immigrated to the United States in 1947, reuniting with Helen’s father in Las Vegas, where he settled after arriving some years earlier.

Soon thereafter, she met her future husband, F. Loy Fong. The two married in 1954 when Loy returned from U.S. military service during the Korean War. They made their first home in a small studio apartment in San Francisco. Through many years of struggle and hard work, they successfully raised their daughter Sonja and two sons Gene and Raymond. Helen was extremely proud of the career and academic accomplishments of all her children. She also derived great joy from the integral role they played in raising their grandson Stephen, and in witnessing his growth and achievements.

Helen and her devoted husband Loy were married for 65 years. In recent years, Helen enjoyed taking “mall walks” with Loy for exercise, and having lunch together. She looked forward to frequent visits from their children, including weekly family dinners together at home. Helen possessed a kind and generous heart, and a gentle and cheerful spirit. For everyone in her loving extended family, she was a joy to be with.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved parents and younger brother Terry Lee. Helen is survived by her husband Loy; her daughter Sonja Huie, husband Edward Huie, and their son Stephen Huie; her first son Gene Fong; her second son Raymond Fong and wife Yoshimi Higuchi; her younger sister Lily Lee and partner Benjamin Quong; and her youngest sister Rose Lee Franzen and husband George Franzen.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Coming Home Hospice Residence (In memory of Helen Fong) 115 Diamond St. San Francisco, CA 94114.