Lasting Memories

Jean Fung Gong
Feb. 5, 1926-Jan. 31, 2024
Palo Alto, California

On January 31, 2024, five days before her 98th birthday, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and cherished friend Jean Char Gong died peacefully at home in Palo Alto, California, where she had lived for 70 years.

Jean was born in Honolulu, February 5, 1926, to Marguerite Liu and On Char. A gifted student, Jean earned a BA from Brigham Young University and an MA in Education from Stanford. Jean and Walter A. Gong met and fell in love at Stanford. They were married on July 7, 1951, and later sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jean taught elementary school at Fairmeadow and El Carmelo for 32 years in Palo Alto. She will be remembered for her faith, generosity, nurturing of children, service to the community, passion for flowers, and deep love of friends and family.

Jean cherished being a member of the Char, deJong and Gong families. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her eight siblings and their spouses, and her husband Walter. Her children Gerrit (Susan), Brian (Sue) and Marguerite (Russell Hancock), 11 grandchildren (and seven spouses), and 18 great grandchildren, will build on her legacy.