Florence Lim Wong
Obituary
Florence Lim Wong, better known as Lam Gam Lan in China, was called home to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on April 2, 2023 (Palm Sunday). She had resided in an assisted living facility in Renton, Washington since February, 2020.
Florence (Flo) was born in the county-level city of Panyu, Guangzhou, China (Guangdong Province) on November 16, 1924. Her father (Lim Sing Git) died when she was very young. Around the age of four, she and her Mom (Dang Yuk Sin) relocated to Shanghai to reunite with her grandmother (Mrs. Pang) who was living there. She attended a private high school, Chi Shiu Girls School, and then one year of college as WWII and the war and terror in Shanghai continued. Florence would work at an American based telephone company, Shanghai Telephone Company, for six years (1942-1948) and other jobs to help support her family. As an active young girl, she loved sports like table tennis, basketball, swimming and volleyball, but was especially known for her prowess as a table tennis player. She could have remained in China as a rising sports celebrity, but chose a new direction in her life after meeting her future husband, Richard, who was stationed in Shanghai as an interpreter for the U.S. Army. On August 18, 1948, Florence left Shanghai onboard the troop carrier, USS General M.C. Meigs, arrived in San Francisco, USA, and proceeded by train to Seattle, Washington. Florence and Richard married on September 20, 1948 and over the next 12 years was blessed with sons Roland, Dennis, Dale and Glen. On November 11, 1954, she would receive her American citizenship.
Florence was a homemaker who gave her all; sacrificing and working hard to love, care, nurture, teach, pray and support her family. She remained active and learned many skills which she never had before like cooking, baking, knitting, gardening and creating flower baskets. When the boys were young, Florence helped plan annual vacations locally with her family. She also joined her traveling friends for many trips by cruise ship or plane to Alaska, Hawaii, Asia, Europe, Australia, Israel and Canada. She possessed the gifts of hospitality, kindness, giving, serving, generosity, and leadership. And, she was a terrific cook! Once the boys had settled down at school, Florence began working outside of the home. She took on jobs in administration, gift-wrapping for Frederick and Nelsons, serving at restaurants, and ultimately working fulltime as a cashier at Uwajimaya Incorporated in 1972 until her retirement in 1990. Flo made many, many friends from her Uwajimaya days and was revered and loved as a co-worker and friend to the local Chinatown community.
One day, Florence was introduced to the Lord Jesus Christ when a neighbor where they first lived on East Madison in Seattle, invited her to church. This change in direction would bring her into relationship with the God who created her and would bless her with new life through Jesus His Son. She was baptized at the Dunlap Baptist church in the late 1960s as a public witness to her new life with Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and Lord. In 1968, Florence joined a small bible study group in South Seattle. Eventually, members of this devoted group became the founders of Seattle Chinese Alliance Church (SCAC). For over 50 years, she would faithfully worship and serve the Lord at SCAC and touch many lives. She also volunteered for many years at the CCM Seattle Gospel Center (Chinatown-International District) sharing the message of Jesus. She had an insatiable hunger for the Word of God even as her health declined. She loved God and she loved the people He created. Florence prayed daily and was a light in this world for Jesus Christ. Her message – God loves and cares for you.
On February 12, 2020, Florence moved from her south Seattle home to Renton. She resided there until her heavenly homecoming to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was surrounded by her family, wonderful loving neighbors and staff who graciously cared for her until the very end. Florence loved and appreciated each of them very much. Some she called, her ‘angels’. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends, but a sweet reunion with her is around the corner for many.
Florence is survived by her children: Roland (Judy), Dennis (Jane), Dale; daughter-in-law: Tessie; grandchildren: Randy (Jenn), Kristen (Scott), Bethany, Megan, Ryan, Brandt, Caleb, Tiffany, Keira, Courtney; great grandchildren: Katelyn, Ella, Evan, Daniel, Hannah, Matthew. Florence was pre-deceased by her husband, Richard (2010) and youngest son, Glen (2023).
Our family sincerely thanks the caregivers at GenCare Lifestyle at Renton and Klein Galland Hospice for the loving care they provided to Florence especially over her last days. To all her wonderful friends, we deeply appreciate all your many expressions of love, care and support. Donations may be made to the Seattle Chinese Alliance Church or to the CCM Seattle Gospel Center.
We invite you to leave remembrances of Florence on the Bonney Watson web page: bonneywatson.com.
A celebration of life and burial will be held at Bonney Watson Washington Memorial Park on Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10:00 am and a public viewing on Friday, May 19, 2023, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188.
