Mae Sherrill Wong

ROCHESTER, MINN: Mae Sherrill Wong, 91, passed away peacefully at home with her daughter, Sue, by her side on Tuesday, February 28, 2012. Mae was born January 13, 1921 in Vancouver, British Columbia to Fook Sing and Edith (Lee) Mah.After high school, she worked as a Chinese school teacher at the Wong Society.It was there that she met Benjamin Wong, a returning World War II veteran, who traveled to Vancouver from Austin, MN in search of a wife.They became engaged following a one month courtship and married on April 14, 1947. Mae was a co-owner of the original Wong's Cafe from 1952 until retiring in 1982. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and enjoyed spending her time by helping others as an interpreter at the Mayo Clinic and in the community for numerous years. She was an avid reader, enjoyed knitting, sewing, cooking, baking and had a love for music and the theater. Above all, Mae loved spending time with her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Mae received outstanding daily care from her daughter Sue and son-in-law Jim , with part-time help of two caregivers, which enabled a higher quality of life within her home. Wed like to thank Dr. Paul Takahashi of the Mayo Clinic who cared for her with compassion, dignity and respect over the last 16 years. Mae is survived by her daughters, Susan (Jim) Lepore of Rochester, Sharon (Craig Mitchell) Wong of Minnetonka, MN; grandchildren, Jamie (Matt) Wright, Kaita Lepore, Jessie Lepore, Shawn Mitchell, and Kari Mitchell; brothers, Thomas (Corinne) Mah, Richard (Lil) Mah, and Gordon (Brenda) Mah; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends. Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin; son, Stephen; 2 sisters Ruby Sam, Roberta Mah and 1 brother Kenneth Mah. A Funeral service will be held 11:00am Monday, March 5, 2012 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held 2:00-5:00 pm Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service. Rev. Michael Wuehler will be officiating with interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rochester Public Library 101 2nd St. SE, Rochester, MN 55904 or the Alzheimer's Association of Minnesota 1001 14th St. NW, Suite 800, Rochester, MN 55901. To share a memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com