R.C. (Rose Chin) Wong

R. C. (Rose Chin) Wong, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, as well as an accomplished artist and investor, departed this world on July 10, 2012. RC was a gracious, delightful, and accomplished woman who touched the lives of many in Austin through her art, and her family of whom she was most proud. She was adored by all who met her and loved dearly by her family.

R. C. was born on September 13, 1915, in Chelsea (Boston), Massachusetts to parents Mow Wah and Lee Shee Chin. She was preceded in death on June 6, 2007, by her loving husband of over 70 years Fred Y. Wong. Smitten with each other in a chance meeting RC and Fred were married on June 28, 1936. From that day forward Fred and RC bonded together for an amazing adventure figuring out life together always in unison hand-in-hand.

RC is survived by: her three children – her son, Dr. Mitchel Wong and his wife, Rose T. Wong of Austin, Texas; her daughters, Linda Luther of Tustin, California; and Kay Flowers and her husband, John G. Flowers, III of Austin, Texas - 10 grandchildren and their spouses; and 22 great-grandchildren.

RC and Fred settled in Austin, Texas, where they opened their first grocery store at 714 Red River Street, which is still owned by the family today. Rose and Fred were the first family of full Chinese descendant to establish Austin as their home. This little known distinction would later have significant influence on how RC and Fred would conduct their lives and raise their children. Eventually, Fred became a builder and RC his architect; together they developed, built, and owned several properties in Austin, including the home they built in Rollingwood in 1969.

After rearing and educating their children it was time for new adventures in their lives. Having learned and accomplished all aspects of their property development and management business – project design, construction, accounting, advertising, leasing and bookkeeping - RC then pursued her first formal art lessons at age 42 at the University of Texas, though she had sketched her children throughout their formative years.

RC is well-known for her paintings and portraits, most notably her renditions of children. She painted in all mediums including oil, pastels, watercolors, and sketches. She was a prolific artist and many of her beautiful creations are displayed will continue to be cherished by friends and clients.

RC led by example shaping the lives of her children; family values, education, work ethic, a love of the arts, fiscal responsibility, involvement in the community, and a delightful sense of humor. RC and Fred's history can be found in the books Chinese Heart of Texas by Mel Brown, and Every Town Needs a Trail by Jen Ohlson. Exhibits of the RC and Fred Wong Family are in the Institute of Texan Cultures in San Antonio, Texas and in the Austin History Center.

RC's love of Austin was reflected by the generous sharing of her artistic talents to benefit such organizations as: the Austin Symphony League, Austin Lyric Opera, Austin Settlement Home, Ballet Austin, KLRU PBS, Laguna Gloria Art Museum, and many other charitable organizations.

The family wishes to thank her many friends, and those who lovingly cared for her especially notable is her granddaughter-in-law Wendy Wong, and caretakers Jovita Valadez, and Gloria Garcia.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m., and to join in a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 S. Congress Ave., Austin, Texas (512-442-1446). All are welcome at a reception immediately following at Green Pastures Restaurant. Remembrances can be left on the Weed-Corley-Fish website. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your own choosing.

In her usual upbeat, positive spirit, R.C. said, "We are just passing through…Let's make the most of it!"