Maegan (May) Wong Chew

Maegan (黃 美 盈) was the 5th of 9 children born at the Fong Wong residence in Dunsmuir, CA in 1936. Maegan’s father Fong Ngoon Wong (黃元芳) had immigrated from Ai Leong Village, Taishan, China (潮境龍灣村) to the US in 1916 at the young age of fifteen to seek a future and fortune from the Gam Saan (“Gold Mountain”). In the subsequent years Ngoon Fong would take a couple trips back to China. He and Nguk-Hong (maiden name) came together in an arranged marriage. On December 15, 1933, through much sacrifice, navigating political unrest and complexities of the time, Yee Shee (黃余玉堂), now with three young sons, arrived on the Blue Funnel Steamship Line to join Ngoon Fong in Seattle.

The family moved to Dunsmuir, California where Meagan was born on July 16, 1936. The winters made living there a challenge. Eventually the family settled in Santa Barbara, CA pursuing an opportunity to take over the High Lung laundry at 121 East Cannon Perdido Street in Santa Barbara. The balmy weather permitted the children to be outdoors much of the time. Chickens and ducks were raised while running the laundry business.

In 1941, with America entering World War II, a small restaurant in Seattle located at 511 Jackson Street with four booths, a curved hardwood counter with 10-12 swivel chairs became available for purchase. Ngoon Fong, gifted with an entrepreneur’s spirit, jumped at the prospect to seek a better opportunity for his family. In 1942 the family moved north to Seattle to begin the life of a restauranteur at the Main Café.

The operation and running of the restaurant became a focus for all the children, teaching them hard work, dedication, putting family first and taking care of each other. Fong and Yee worked long hours at the restaurant. At age nine, Maegan being the oldest daughter, was expected to carry the responsibility of taking care of the younger children, cooking meals, making sure everyone got to Chinese school. Maegan recalled realizing she was the middle child. “I remember being left in charge of the home and younger kids for long periods. It was very stressful and I never really experience a childhood. I had to learn adult things. To be resourceful, flexible, decision making and housekeeping skills.”

In 1954 Maegan graduated from Garfield High School. During that time, Maegan focused on earning good grades, intramural sports, Girls’ Club activities. In her senior year she was elected to Radiance Roll (an inspirational leadership honorary). She received a scholarship to attend Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA but agreed she would return home after one year. Maegan transferred to the University of Washington to pursue a teaching degree. While in school, she worked part-time with Swedish Hospital in nutrition and the cafeteria.

It was during the end of her junior year where Meagan met Ken, the love of her life, at a UW social club activity. Ken and Maegan were married March 30, 1958. Attending UW commencement together that Spring, Maegan received a BA and Ken his Master of Science. Maegan was occupied with her first teaching position at J.B. Allen third grade class while Ken decided to pursue a PhD. Their first apartment located on 35th North & Meridian, had a view of Lake Union. In 1961, they bought their first house in Shoreline.

The World’s Fair opened in 1962. Ken graduated with his PhD and they welcomed their first born, Curtis. Gerald was added to the family the following year. Maegan recalled, “it was a tumultuous time in the US during the sixties” and thinking, only by the grace of God would she be able to raise children with all that was going on. In 1965 they moved to a larger house near Northgate that had Thornton Creek running through the backyard. The Chew boys spent many hours exploring the creek and surrounding woods calling them home simply by yelling from the back deck of the house. Maegan served four years as den mother to 8-10 cub scouts meeting in the lower level of their home. Matthew was born in 1967 and served as mascot for the den. Having room in their hearts and home, Marcella, at age 5, was adopted into the family. She would go on to serve as Pinehurst PTA president, Chinese Baptist Church Deaconess, Bible Study Fellowship as children’s leader, then as a discussion leader. Maegan’s life was full with meaningful endeavors along with keeping house and home humming.

In 1979, with children old enough to help and take on some of the home responsibilities, she would return to teaching. Altogether, Maegan devoted twenty-five years to the of Seattle Public Schools - three years in early elementary, two years in middle school and twenty years at Ballard High. At age 56 and needing “a shot in the arm” to elevate her teaching, Maegan went back to school to earn a Master’s in education. Retirement beckoned her in 2001. With Ken’s worldwide involvement in Aquaculture, she would accompany him on his travels to China, Israel, Greece, Turkey, Thailand, and many parts of US.

Most memorable was Maegan organizing and running Cousins Camp for seven years which is a fond memory for many of the cousins who attended. In her spare time, Maegan started researching and collecting documents, letters, etc. to write The Wong Roots Bio which she finished in December 2018. It was quite the accomplishment to piece the family roots together!

Maegan exuded a love for life and radiated a joy in the Lord to everyone she encountered. Beacon Hill Church (aka Chinese Baptist Church, CBC) was a central part of Meagan and her family developing deep roots and friendships into this faith community. Forever a teacher, she was known to reflect on her bible knowledge, speaking truth in love and rarely minced words. She wanted everyone to know the love of Jesus. Maegan made lasting friendships with many she met along the way. Always fun to be around, a good conversationalist, and lots of laughs. She was also an early adopter in the benefits of a healthy diet. For many young women she became known as a second mother. Maegan was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

Maegan is preceded in death by her father Ngoon Fong Wong (1900-1990), her mother, Yee Shee (1904-1982). Siblings Jan Wong (1924-2004), Paul Wong (1929-1996) and Chuen Wong (1933-2018).

Maegan is survived by her four children Curtis (Patti), Gerald (Joyce), Matthew (Aimee), Marcella Chew and eleven grandchildren her siblings Guy Wong, Carl Wong, Sam Wong, Mary Wong, Mable Wong

As they walked in life so closely together, Ken went to be with the Lord just a few weeks before her passing. The obituary for Kenneth K. Chew can be found at:

Kenneth Chew Obituary - Seattle, WA (dignitymemorial.com)

Maegan was always very supportive of Ken’s efforts within the faith and aquaculture community. In lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to:

• Beacon Hill Church

Link: https://www.beaconhillchurch.com/

• The Puget Sound Restoration Fund that is in partnership with the NOAA Manchester Research Facility named after Ken:

Link: https://restorationfund.org/support/

• Ken’s UW Endowed Professorship:

Link: Make a gift | Give to the UW (washington.edu)

Or, via mail, checks can be sent to: University of Washington Foundation Box 359505 Seattle, WA 98195

Donors should write the fund name (“Ken Chew Endowed Professorship”) or “CHEWAQ” (the fund’s allocation code) in the subject line.

A memorial service for Kenneth and Maegan will begin at 11am on March 11th, 2023 at Beacon Hill Church (aka Chinese Baptist Church)

5801 Beacon Ave. S.

Seattle, WA 98108

https://www.beaconhillchurch.com/