Anne Chinn Wing
March 9, 1919 - July 25, 2015
Obituary
Anne Chinn Wing passed away peacefully on July 25th, 2015 in a care facility in San Diego after suffering a stroke in January 2015 while visiting her youngest daughter for the holidays. While bedridden there, she was visited often by family and friends. Anne was born on March 9, 1919 in Seattle, WA (now Pioneer Square), the youngest of 13 children. She was preceded in death by all her siblings, her loving husband of 57 years, David Lew Wing, daughter Diane Luke Locke (Wayne) of Los Angeles, CA. and grandson Wolfgang David Wing-Lawrence of San Diego, CA. She is survived by sons Larry A. Luke (Bette) of Edmonds, WA and Randall K.G. Luke (Sherrie) of Olympia, WA, daughters Dana Dorothy Wing (John) Hunter of Orange County, CA and Kimberly Ann Wing of San Diego, CA, granddaughters Alia Tiger Anne Wing-Lawrence and Cheyenne Phoenix Wing-Lawrence of San Diego, CA., granddaughter Leigh-Anne Locke Glowac (Walter) and grandson John Locke (Arlene) of Los Angeles, CA, granddaughter Natalie Luke and grandson Marcus Luke (Dahlia) of Seattle, WA., four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Anne was a leader in the Seattle community for over 60 years. She attended Seattle Public Schools and became an active volunteer in the community in the early 1940’s. In 1948, she organized the first International District Queen’s Pageant as a way for young women to celebrate their differences. She continued to organize and run the pageant for 35 years for which she received in 1986 the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce award for her services. Also, in 1948 Anne was awarded the Neighborhood House ‘Award of Merit’ for working with children of many different cultural backgrounds. She received the Jackson Street Community Council ‘Chairman’s Award’ during that year as well. In 1950, Anne’s work on the National Council of Christians and Jews yielded a Chairman’s Award for human relations fund raising to enact the Fair Employment Practice Law. She served as a board member on the Seattle Camp Fire Girls for 8 years, was the manager of the first Camp Fire Mint Drive and in 1952 was the recipient of the National Camp Fire Girls Highest Award, The Luther Halsey Gulick Award. In 1962, she was a board member on the Mayor’s Committee for Minority Housing. In 1966, she was on the steering committee to form the largest Chinese Family Association Auxiliary for the Gee How Oak Tin Association, and subsequently served as its Auxiliary president three times. In 1986, Anne received the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Award for 30 years of service and was on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for a Seattle Chinese Garden.
In the 1990’s she devoted much of her time to help raise financing to bring the dream of the Kin On Health Care Center to fruition. In 1994, she served as President for the ground breaking for the $12 million dollar new nursing home and formed the Kin On Auxiliary and created the monthly outing and annual holiday music programs. In 2000, Anne was honored as recipient of the Nordstrom’s Community Service Award, one of six recognized for their efforts to promote cultural and racial harmony. Also in 2000, Anne was the first woman delegate from the State of Washington to the Gee How Oak Tin National Convention and National approved of women’s right to vote. In 2005, she continued to serve the community on the Boards of both Kin On and the Suey Sing Association, and was the English secretary for Suey Sing and the Kwong Tung Association, as well as advisor for the Gee How Oak Tin Auxiliary.
Anne lived for 52 years in a home she and her husband custom built in Seward Park where they hosted many Mah Jong and bridge tournament groups and she played bridge online up until her stroke. In 1962, she was co-chair of the National Convention of the American Congress Bridge League. In the 1960’s she and her husband in addition to many salmon fishing trips, took ballroom dance lessons. They opened Poh Poh’s Laundromat and dry cleaners in south Seattle in the 1970’s which they ran for 10 years. They retired in the 1980’s and went to dances six or seven times a week. They spent 25 years travelling the world. Highlights were a trip to New York to dance at the Roseland Ballroom and Austria to dance the Viennese waltz. No one loved a party more than she. She hosted a Celebration of Life party in 2012 and with her husband danced their “last waltz” together four months prior to his passing. She led a very full and active life for 96 years 4 ½ months and will be missed by a very large circle of family members, friends and community organizations.
There will be no services. Memorials are suggested to Kin On Community Health Care (www.Kinon.Org).
Dearest Bette and Larry, Ron and I are so sorry to hear of Mrs. Wing’s passing. She had an amazing life and I’m sure you are remembering all the good times you had with her. I’m thinking of the times we were with her and how full of life she was…when she was in the room you knew it. Her obituary said it all…what a life! Ron and Evie Huntington
Dear Bette and Larry, I’m so impressed with how active Mrs. Wing was for SO LONG. I admire her continuous activism to improve people’s lives and bring people together. I know she’s been in considerable pain so her passing brings relief. But her passing is a loss nonetheless so our deepest condolences and loving thoughts to you both. Hugs, Denise & Rob
Thanks so much for sharing Bette. What a life she had. Glad you were able to see her before she passed. Hugs to Larry and you for all the years of love and service you showed her. Rose
Hi Larry and Bette, sorry to hear about Auntie Anne passing away. Sue and I want to offer our condolences to you and your family. Talk to you soon. Love you guys.
Bette and Larry…Thank you so much for informing us about the sad news of Anne’s passing. She will certainly be remembered for all of her involvement with the Chinese Community. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Frank and Ruth
Dear Larry & Bette,
The Ko Family sends our condolences to the Luke Family for the loss of your mother, Anne Chinn Wing. She had a great life and was involved in the Chinese Community and she will be missed. Now she has no pain and is resting in peace with God. Tom & Char Ko and Family
Dear Larry and Bette,
We are very sorry to hear about your mother passing away. You know we really did enjoy seeing her at all of your nice holiday gatherings. Love, Joe and Nancy
I’ve only come to know Anne the last few years and what a fine lady she was! As a long time good friend of Linda, she came to our wedding and spoke good words about us. She was such an energetic and lovable person; we miss her very much. I rejoice now in knowing that she is resting in peace in heaven.
Bette and Larry, I just heard about your mom, sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family. She was a remarkable woman! Nina Chin
Bette and Larry, Thank you both for the announcement and ,of course, our condolences to you and to the family. May she be in a more comfortable resting spot, where she may rest in peace.
Barbara and Bruce Trethewey
Bette and Larry,Oh, my. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Larry’s mother. Jim and I send our condolences to you and Larry. You both did so much to make her life easier and happier.
Ann Bishop Lampman
Hi Bette and Larry, Your Mom… such a great woman.
I am sorry to hear the passing of your mom Auntie Anne. Auntie Anne Was such a wonderful giving women and had the heart of gold. THANK YOU LARRY AND BETTE FOR BEING THERE FOR HER THE MOST! You two are the unsung HEROES. Take care and may Auntie Anne rest in peace. Miss you two.
Hugs Wendee
Bette, thank you for letting us know. My thoughts are with each of you and wishing a peaceful transition. Love and hugs, Bec
Dearest Bette and Larry, although I am sad to see Mrs. Wing’s passing, she certainly did live a full life and sounds like she enjoyed every minute of it. I remember fondly of the time we visited her at her beautiful home, filled with artifacts (overlooking the water) in 1970. She presided over the evening and fed us and talked to us with great knowledge of a lot of things. That evening gave me a real warm feeling for Larry and what he might have been as a young boy. I am so happy I knew her both personally and through your eyes, Bette. My love to both as you must be celebrating her long and illustrious life. Sudha (with) Ed.
Bette and Larry…Just heard about the passing of your mom. Our condolences to you and Bette at this time. We remember her well in her cheerfulness and activism personality.
She did live a full and active life. Regards, Milt & Lil
Having many fond memories of activities with Anne Wing I have culled 9 photos posted on the link to the right of her photo above. In 2012, Bettie Luke presenting her with a Good Luck “Quarter” coin lei she made; pointing out her name engraved for donating to the new China Gate. In 2011, with Commander Larry Luke presenting a Cathy Post 96 proclamation to a Chinatown Seafair pirate; with Mary Anne Eng Mullen & Drill Team member; with Lil Lew walking entire Chinatown Seafair parade route in front of Kin On van handing out candy. In 2013 at 94th birthday party at Miyabi Restaurant surprised by daughter Kimberly from San Diego; Inspiration Wall at entrance to new YWCA Village in Issaquah – “Anne Wing: Strong – Wise – Spririted”; with Mary Anne Eng Mullen who honored her as the person most inspirational to her. In 2012, Wing Family “90’s Celebration” at Jumbo Restaurant (Anne’s 93rd, David’s 94th Birthday).
Dear Bette and Larry, thank you so much for sending the information. Anne was a wonderful person and we will miss her and she will live forever in our hearts. We send to you our most sincere condolences. Linda and Andy
Hi Bette and Larry, We were sorry to learn of Mrs. Wing’s passing. We know that it leaves a gap in your lives and we share in your sorrow. Love, Jamar and Rodg
A great lady has left the world poorer for her absence, but certainly richer for the time she was here. She was the most lovely, talented, generous, gracious lady and so much fun to be around. I treasure the many times I spent sitting at her table at the Nisei dances and visiting with her at the Renton Senior Center dances plus connecting on a “Travel with Alan” trip. Condolences to her family, and lucky you for having had her as long as you did. I’m sure she’s dancing in heaven with David.
“Aunty” Anne was the one of the nicest people we have had the pleasure of knowing. She was a dear friend to my mother, Nancy Jang. When we were kids, I remember how they would get together to play mahjong at each others homes and share good times. I’ll always remember her sage advice on many things – she was a wise person. Aunty Anne we will greatly miss you and we love you.
Such a grand person she was to us. From childhood to becoming an adult, Auntie Anne always had a smile on her face and showed kindness and care in a way only she could do. My 5 children have very fond memories of Auntie Anne as well.
I will never forget the companionship and friendship she shared with my mom, Nancy Jang, the Mah Jong games and all the trips to the casinos.
She will be greatly missed in the community and by all she touched.
I’m grateful for the short time I’ve known this fine lady. Anne was kind, generous,and so much fun to be around. I will miss her very much! My thoughts and prayers are with her family!
I will always Remember Anne as a fun loving person who always liked the home made salsa that I made. Such a small gift, but loved by her so much. She appreciated small things in life and would always be so complimentary.At her last big celebration she was the belle of the ball…making everyone laughing with her. I’m so happy to read so much of her life as to all the dancing she did with her husband and the traveling.Our lord in heaven will take good care of Anne.