Lillian Eng

LILLIAN ONG ENG born in Pittsburg, CA., passed at the age of 97, on January 9, 2022. Survived by 3 sons: Alexander, Ronald, and Dana; 2 daughters: Judy and Renee; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Lillian was pre-deceased by brothers (Belvin and Ray Ong) and sister (Florence Lee). Later Lillian moved to San Francisco for school and lived out her life. Her strength of character and sense of survival was exhibited by successfully raising her family. Lillian was a strong woman; ahead of her time. When left to raise 5 children on her own, she needed to be a force; to ensure her children were educated, dressed and wellmannered. She owned her own home at a time when few single mothers did. Her life changed from being a housewife to successfully completing Fashion Design School, which enabled her to have marketable skills, to design and sew folk dance costumes and the family’s wardrobe.

She later secured a job with the U.S. Mint in San Francisco as a federal employee. She will be fondly remembered for her traditional Toisan melon soups, her famous clam chowder soup, waffles, and sumptuous 8 course meals for special occasions that left everyone bursting at the seams. An original member of Chang’s International Folk Dancers Inc. for over 60 years, she looked forward to Folk Dance Festivals and Friday night dance gatherings wearing the colorful costumes she created. Interest in the culture of these dances led her to travel to Europe, Russia, the islands of Tahiti and Hawaii. She also paid several visits to her village of Hoiping, China. As a member of the church choir at Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Lillian sang in the soprano section for many years. Her energy and zest for life will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren whom she encouraged to learn the traditions of Chinese cooking and sewing. A Private Memorial Service will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Later in the year a Celebration of Life will be held; TBA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made either to On Lok (1333 Bush St., S.F. 94109); or to Chang’s International Folk Dancers Inc., PO Box 31301, S.F. 94131.