KWONG, Mary (nee Lee)

Mary Kwong, (nee Lee) born in Vancouver, BC, April 28, 1932, beloved wife, sister, mother, and grandmother passed away quietly surrounded by her loved ones, the evening of April 6, 2022, at her resident home in Calgary, Alberta. Mary lived a beautiful and dignified life. The most loving and supportive wife to her one and only true love, Norman, and mother to their four sons, Greg, Brad, Marty and Randy, she was the true unsung hero of the family. She was a gracious, unselfish woman who always went beyond expectations to provide comfort, love and joy to all, while asking very little in return. Mary lived to ensure the entire family was supported, loved, kept safe and, of course, well fed. Mary, being a lifelong chef and instructor of cooking, was accustomed to making gourmet meals for the family and friends. Known for many delicious creations, it was her special chow mein noodles, bbq pork, chicken wings and bow ties that would put her in the culinary Hall of Fame. Mary was the definition of photogenic. Not a bad photo of her can be found. Even in her final days, a little lipstick and eye shadow had her looking like the beauty queen she was when she was named Miss Chinatown in her youth. As strikingly beautiful as she was, her true beauty was found within. She had the warmest heart, a playful sense of humour and she possessed the ability to make anyone, no matter the age, feel welcomed, comfortable and at ease when they were around her. With countless memorable experiences and special moments in her life, a celebrated period was when Normie became the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta in 2005. Normie stipulated that she be included in each of the 1000’s of engagements, special occasions, and functions. Her presence was an integral element to their popularity, and she met the challenge of being a public figure with grace, professionalism and dignity. It should be noted that the role also finally allowed her to utilize a portion of the many outfits that filled her closets at home. She was the proud mother of her four sons, Greg, Brad, Marty and Randy. Her support, teaching and guidance for them in all aspects of life was invaluable. She was their biggest fan at hockey, football and soccer games. Being the only female in a family of six, she ribbed about needing allies for years. With the arrival of her daughters-in-law Elly (Greg), Lisa (Randy), Letticia (Marty) and finally, Veronika (Brad), she felt especially blessed to have such strong supportive women on her side. Known to her 10 grandchildren as Yun Yun, her love for Jamie Lee, Bryanne, Caitlyn, Brendan, Niah, Marcus, Mia, Tyson, Kira and Jessica radiated when they were together. They will remember her fondly as the most kind, and giving grandmother. Her sage words of advice will follow them forever. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Mary is mourned by her surviving siblings, Maye Louie and Bill and wife Miriam Lee, sisters-in-law Lily Lee, Rhoda Lee, Mamie Lee, brother-in-law Richard Kwong and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Vera Wong (George), brothers Jack, George and Bob, and her forever partner in life, husband, Norman, who passed away on September 3, 2016. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and thank the entire staff at Amica Aspen Woods, which became her home and where she was cared for until the end. We are all incredibly saddened by the loss of our mother/grandmother and will miss her dearly, but we are comforted knowing that she had an incredible life and touched so many people with her special character and manner of ease. We are happy she has joined our father and is now in a better place. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary’s honour to The Hon. Norman L. Kwong Memorial Fund* online at: www.calgaryfoundation.org (go to "Donate Online" and select: The Hon. Norman L. Kwong Memorial Fund) or by cheque payable to "The Calgary Foundation" with fund name in memo and mailed to: The Calgary Foundation 1180, 105 12 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 1A1. The Hon. Norman L. Kwong Memorial Fund has been created to honour the legacy of the Hon. Norman L. Kwong. Proceeds from the fund will support youth in sports with a focus on the underprivileged and new Canadians. A Memorial Service and gathering will be hosted on April 19 at 1:30 p.m. at Eden Brook Funeral Home and Reception Centre, 24223 Twp Rd 242, Calgary, AB, T3Z 3K2. For those that cannot attend the service, a live feed can be found at the Eden Brook Funeral Website under "Mary Kwong", starting at 2:30p.m. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.edenbrookcemetery.ca.