Mary Ying Dong's Obituary
Remembering Mary Ying Dong
May 6th, 1931 - June 27th, 2026
Family came first for Mom, and that simple truth threads through every story we share today. We gather in the same spirit she loved—close, laughing, and a bit noisy—just the way she wanted her home to feel.
Mary was born in China on May 6th, 1931. Life carried her far from those early days, yet she never forgot where she started or the strength it took to begin again in each new place.
Anyone who spent time with her knows the list by heart: Intelligent, Hardworking, Determined, Resilient, and Responsible. She let those traits guide everything from balancing the family finances to teaching us how to face setbacks without flinching.
Most weekends you could find her at the mah jong table, tiles clicking while stories and advice flowed just as steadily. When the games ended, the house often filled with the bigger gatherings she loved—children, spouses, cousins, and friends all crowded around dishes she somehow prepared without ever looking hurried.
She and William L. Dong, her devoted husband who passed before her, built a family that keeps growing. Their children—James Dong, Jane Gin, Carolyn Chin, John Dong, Evelyn Knecht , Steven Dong, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren—carry forward the lessons she modeled rather than preached.
We will miss her voice during mah jong, her calm answers when problems felt too big, and the steady center she provided for each of us. Though her chair at the table is empty, every gathering still feels stamped with her care, and we will keep her memory close in every shuffle of the tiles and every shared meal.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?