HR0295 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0295 LRB102 18449 ECR 26504 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Bernarda "Bernie" Wong of Chicago, who passed away on April 27, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Wong was born to Jorge Lo and Virginia Chia de Lo in Hong Kong on October 24, 1943; she came to the United States to study at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa; she earned her master's degree in social work at Washington University; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Wong co-founded and led the Chinese American Service League (CASL); CASL is a common entry point for immigrants seeking assistance with housing, vocational and language training, child care, senior care, and other services; founded more than 40 years, CASL is a currently a multimillion dollar anchor organization that operates out of a building designed by famed architect Jeanne Gang and helps thousands of immigrants each year; she retired from her role at CASL at the end of 2016; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Wong received numerous awards, including a Champion of Change award from the Obama administration in 2012; she was a visionary leader and a powerhouse champion for Chinatown, immigrants, the elderly, and the needy; her entire career was dedicated to helping others; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Wong helped to make Chicago's Chinatown community what it is today; she assisted countless people over the years and built up the community's social service infrastructure to welcome new immigrants and serve its population; she demonstrated admirable strength and courage, even as an immigrant to this country herself, and was someone who never hesitated to speak up as an advocate and champion for her community; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Wong was a devoted parishioner of the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Wong enjoyed yoga and swam regularly; she treasured her family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Wong was preceded in death by husband, Albert Wong; her parents; her siblings, George, Charles, and Fillis; and brothers-in-law, Bill Joe and Henry Young; and

WHEREAS, Bernie Wong is survived by her daughter, Jacinta; her grandchildren, Tiana and Matthew; her sisters-in-law, Rosaline Young, Sue (Peter Wu) Wong, and Margaret and Agnes Lo; her brothers, Albert (Selina), William (Violet), and Thomas (Esme) Lo; her 17 nieces and nephews; and her 17 grand-nieces and grand-nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Bernarda "Bernie" Wong and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Bernie Wong as an expression of our deepest sympathy.