Rose Wong

Rose (Yee) Wong, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at age 99.

Rose was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 28, 1925, one of eight children of the late Tom Yee and Gee Shee Yee. She was raised in Boston where she graduated from Girls High school in Boston and she attended and graduated from Burdett College where she learned bookkeeping and other secretarial skills. She was married to Theodore Wong on July 31, 1949 and they settled in Melrose in 1952 to raise a family of three children. Rose enjoyed her working career for over 20 years at Casey’s Florist in Melrose where she developed lasting friendships with fellow coworkers.

Rose was a friendly, but strong willed woman who valued her independence. With great determination, she cared for her parents, and provided loving care to her young grandchildren. She taught herself computer skills and would often Zoom, text or email with family around the world. She dedicated herself to researching family history and honored her Chinese heritage by cooking traditional Chinese meals and delicacies with her family. In her younger years, she enjoyed being involved in the Chinatown community, teaching young people English and celebrating Chinese New Year.

In her free time, Rose stayed active in her vegetable garden, growing tomatoes, grapes and winter melon with husband Ted. She also enjoyed crafts, making home decorations, sewing, and especially photography.

Rose will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered for strength, grace and determination. May she rest in peace.

Rose was the beloved wife of 72 years of the late Theodore “Ted” Wong. Devoted mother of Clifton Wong & his wife Susan of Wellesley Hills, Eric “Rick” Wong & his wife Elizabeth Grabau of Wexford, PA, and Wendy Wong-Keefe & her husband Edmund of Lynnfield. Sister of Lil “May” Lee of HI, Roy Lee of Andover, Ann Yee of Sharon, David Yee of KS, and the late Jessie Toong, William Yee, and Thomas Yee. Cherished grandmother of Nicole and Jeffrey Wong, Stephanie Wong-Noonan, Alexander Wong, Jennifer Reardon, and Melissa Keefe. Loving great-grandmother of Juliet, Samuel, and Theo. Also survived by many loving nieces & nephews and cousins.

Relatives & friends are invited to gather in honor of Rose during visiting hours at Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, Jan. 17 from 4-7pm, and for her Funeral Service on Saturday Jan. 18 at 10am. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. In memory of Rose, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis TN 38105, www.stjude.org