Long time resident of Grande Prairie, AB, Evelyn Yuet Ling Wong, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the age of 79 years.

Born Kwan Yuet Ling, on June 15, 1944, in the village of Qishengli, Kaiping County, China, she was a child of privilege until the age of five, at which time internal strife erupted. She survived the horrors of war and famine in China, fleeing to Hong Kong with an aunty after being separated from her parents. She was forced to work very early to survive, and it was at this very young age she developed her ferocious work ethic. Financial hardship had prevented her from furthering her education past high school.

In 1961, she met Jack Gim Chuck Wong, and was married at the age of 17. She moved from Hong Kong to join Jack in Grande Prairie late in the fall of 1963. It was indisputably a culture shock. Never one to back down from a challenge, Evelyn learned English, worked part-time as a florist, studied hair styling, and worked a while as a stylist. She opened Classes Boutique at the Prairie Mall in 1980, ran it for 10 years, bought the Swan City Bingo Hall with Jack, and ran that for 17 years. They expanded the building to house the casino, and opened and operated the Jackpot Grill and Bar from 1995, which is now part of the JP Event Centre. She did all this while raising four children with Jack. Up until very recently, she continued to be an indomitable presence in their lives, which transcended to her grandchildren that she adored. Her passing will leave an undeniable void in their lives.

Sadly, Jack passed in 2000. Evelyn will be greatly missed by her children: Vivian Wong (Jeff Yap), and their children Jordan, Joel and Zoe; Ray Wong; Edmond Wong (Junko Okamoto), and their children, Jay and Jak; and Eva Wong (Stuart Lloyd-Jones); sister-in-law, Serina; nieces and nephew Jennifer, Tammie and Justin Kwan; brothers: Victor Kwan (Vivian) and niece Elena; Rick Kwan; Ming Kwan and niece Tillie Kwan; sister-in-law Bow Wong; nieces Carrie Wong and Jean Wong; and nephew Tom Wong.

Evelyn was predeceased by husband Jack; brother Bob Kwan; brother-in-law Wing Wong; and nephew Ken Wong.

A Viewing will be held at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005 107 Ave.), in Grande Prairie, AB, Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 3.00-5.00 pm. A Memorial Service will take place Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 2.00pm at Teresa Sargent Hall at the Montrose Cultural Centre (9839 103 Ave).

In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations can be made to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation (gphospitalfoundation.ca/donate).

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Evelyn Wong's obituary on Oliver's Funeral Home website.