Helen Chong, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home with her family by her side in Kensington, California on 14 January 2016. Helen was a gracious kind-hearted woman whom we will never forget.

Helen was born in October 1923 in Isleton, near Walnut Grove, California, to Sai-Chow Wong & Kum-Tow Leung. Helen was the second child in a family of seven children, and the only daughter. The family lived in California, China, and finally Hawaii, where she grew up. She worked for the National Dollar Store in Honolulu, and later in San Francisco. In 1952, Helen married George Chong. They were happily married for 40 years until his passing in 1992.

Helen and George enjoyed traveling, eating good food, raising family, and being involved in the Berkeley Chinese Community Church. Helen also enjoyed doing tai-chi and the games Sudoku and Word Search. She has lived in the same house in Kensington for the last 54 years, but still considered Hawaii where she grew up to be her home.

Helen is survived by her two children, Judi-Ann and Jimmie Chong, granddaughter Ashley Chong, Brother Kenneth Wong, many nieces and nephews, and god-daughter Joan Fong.

She was preceded by her parents, her husband George Chong; and brothers Chuck Wong, Raymond Chuck, Kwock Wai Wong, Edward Chuck and Dennis Wong.

A gathering in memory of Helen will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016 in the chapel of the Sunset View Cemetery at 101 Colusa Avenue, the corner of Colusa and Fairmount avenues in El Cerrito, California. A memorial service will be held starting at 3 p.m. All are welcome. The interment will be at 2 p.m. Monday, February 1, 2016 at Sunset View Cemetery, 101 Colusa Avenue, El Cerrito CA 94530.

Helen was a beloved sister, mother, godmother, auntie and grand-auntie, with a big heart whom we will never forget. She wants you to remember to “Keep Your Mind Going!” ALOHA!

Memorial gifts are suggested to Berkeley Chinese Community Church 2117 Acton St, Berkeley, CA 94702 or to the family.