San San Wong

October 11, 1947 - July 13, 2024

San San Wong, our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away July 13, 2024 at age 76, after valiantly battling kidney cancer and an infection which spread to her brain. She had faced several health conditions this year. After a week at UCSF, she gently smiled and shed a tear before being called by our Lord to her room of peace and joy in Heaven.

We remember her smiles, love of life, outgoing personality and diligent BSF study of the Bible in recent years. She will not be forgotten, as we say her name, San San, and eat her favorite foods.

On a lighter note, she loved people and food. Her favorites were whole steamed fish, noodles and any kind of soup – these were the only dishes she would cook. She spent hours snipping fat off soup bones, which represented another trait of hers, perfection. She wanted everything to be perfect from class work to appearance to gatherings. She was the perfect Asian tiger mom and showered her son and grandsons with love. We got “accustomed to her face, her smiles, her frowns, her ups and downs”

If everyone raised and cared for another person, the world would be a better place. San San’s primary focus was on family and instilling good values in the next generation. She did so with a lot of energy, time and love. She raised a good son. And she helped an independent, academic husband to enjoy people more, working in retirement to hold heath workshops for seniors. What a precious gift she gave us!

She is survived by her husband of 48 years Ken, son Bryan, grandsons Isaac, Joshua, and daughter in law Yating. San San graduated from the University of Oregon and worked/volunteered with children at SFUSD and church. She will be buried at Sunset View Cemetery in El Cerrito, where she overlooks a peaceful view of her beloved San Francisco. Prayers/thoughts of joy and peace for her are welcomed. No flowers.

See Condolences

We are thinking of you.

When I arrived at the Golden Gate Christian Church three and a half years ago, San San brought me a beautiful orchid on my installation day. The orchid bloomed in my office for a long time. As a new pastor, I wanted to remember the faces and names of our church members, so I asked the congregation to give me a photo of themselves. San San was the first to provide her photo within a week! This left a lasting impression on me. Every time I met San San, she expressed gratitude to God for bringing my husband and me to San Francisco to shepherd the church. She always spoke to us with kindness and encouragement. San San was also a wonderful cook. Once, she prepared a big feast for us, knowing my husband loves oxtails and I enjoy soups. She made a delicious dish of oxtails and a huge pot of vegetable soup. We were deeply touched by her kindness and felt God’s love and grace through her actions. San San was not only a loving person but also someone who put her love into action. I remember one afternoon, during lunch, I encouraged her to care for some of the younger members of our congregation. She took this to heart and brought the youth to the California Academy of Sciences. She later told me she had a great time with them; it was last August. San San loved spreading the Gospel. Every Wednesday, she would come to church to pick up gospel tracts to distribute to people waiting outside the food bank. I deeply appreciated San San's love for lost souls. I know God loves her, and she was an obedient child of God. I miss her dearly!

I’m deeply sorry for your loss. San San is now in a place of peace, resting beside the Lord and singing her favorite hymns. I fondly remember when San San joined our choir practice. Her love for music and devotion to the Lord was evident. She had a special way of offering kind words and encouragement, especially towards my children. I’ll never forget the church luncheon when San San and Ken appeared in their coordinated Hawaiian outfits; they made such a charming couple. They also graciously hosted our church for Christmas caroling in 2016, and their home was warm and welcoming. I recently saw San San during the Jesus Loves Bay Area online training, and her deep faith and commitment to the Lord were clear. Her spirit and kindness will be greatly missed.

Dear San San, We miss seeing you dearly in the last few months. Your smiley face and words of kindness have always been an encouragement. For Ken, Bryan, family and the rest of us, it's certainly is a huge loss. However, we are assured that you are resting in the comfort of our loving God. You just took a step ahead of us. We look forward to the day that we can all meet again, celebrating and rejoicing in the heavenly kingdom. Our deepest condolences to the Ken, Bryan and family that you left behind:/ In sympathy, David and Linda

Dear Ken, Bryan and Family, Our deepest condolences to you and your family. San San, your desire to serve our Lord in all circumstances warmed our hearts and encourages us. We will miss your smile, your humor and words of wisdom. Pray for the Lord to comfort, strengthen and to give you peace during this difficult time. Blessings, Tad & Lana Endo

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dear San San: When I received Ken’s phone call on July 15, this year, I could not believe that I cannot see you, visit you and talk with you forever. I feel very sorry to you because I did not know that you were sick seriously, and I did not have a chance to come back to San Francisco to visit you and comfort you in time… Since I moved to San Francisco from Bloomington, IN in 1994, you had been the most sincerely friend of mine in my U.S. life. When I worked at Lionbridge Technologies in S.F. (1994-2003), you often visited me and invited me to celebrate holidays with your family. You truly cared about me and were very familiar with all my family members in Beijing, China. Since I moved to Monterey, CA in 2004, the long distance from S.F. to Monterey and Marina and the more than 20 years of my leave did not hinder the best friendship that you gave me day by day and year by year. As usual, you often gave me a very warm phone call and cared about my routine life and teaching jobs at school. It is the most unforgettable that you sincerely hope from the bottom of your heart that I could spend more time and money to take good care of myself. You always encouraged me to treat myself and love myself better in my U.S. life. Dear San San: when I recall all of the beautiful memories that you left to me, my tears cannot stop flowing down… I did not know that you were sick so seriously even though we talked on phone for so many times during 2024. I just notice that there are so many seniors in the U.S. who can keep their happy life until they are over 90 years old. I am really planning to move back to a good and safe place near San Francisco after I retire in 2026. I thought that I would have a lot of chances to visit you and see you as well as celebrate holidays with you, Ken, Bryan, Ya-ting and two of your grandsons once I retire… I feel very sad and pity when I know that I cannot see you forever in the rest of my life. Dear San San: I am sure that I will often think of you, your smiles and you sincere as well as your kindness in the coming years. I will remember you and miss you forever. Sincerely, Angie

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.