Hazel Clare Jong

Hazel Clare Jong, age 100, of Stanwood, Washington, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024. Family and friends called her “Peggy” throughout her lifetime. After living in Jamaica and Hong Kong, Peggy moved to New York City after her marriage to Arthur H. Jong in 1943. They had two children, Elaine and Rodney, and lived on Long Island. Peggy was a librarian at Adelphi University from 1958 until 1980, when she and Arthur moved to Seattle to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In Seattle, Peggy was a librarian at Seattle University for several years, and after retirement they moved to Naples, Florida. During retirement years, Arthur and Peggy enjoyed many trips to Europe, Asia, and South America, often taking cruises in the company of family and friends. In 2001, the couple moved back to Seattle, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before Arthur’s death in 2003. Peggy loved gardening and flowers, needlepoint embroidery, playing mahjong and bridge, and going to dog shows with her daughter. Family members will always remember the fabulous Thanksgiving dinners she and Arthur prepared every year at their Long Island home for the extended family clan. Peggy received many letters after retirement from students and co-workers that had known her during her library years expressing their appreciation for her friendship, compassion and mentorship. Her older brother Horace preceded her in death; she is survived by her older sister Mavis, her two children, three grandsons, and five great grandchildren.

For those who wish to send a remembrance, a donation in her name to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, is suggested in lieu of flowers.

A graveside service for Hazel will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, Washington 98133.