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1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
3Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Bernarda
4"Bernie" Wong of Chicago, who passed away on April 27, 2021;
5and
 
6    WHEREAS, Bernie Wong was born to Jorge Lo and Virginia
7Chia de Lo in Hong Kong on October 24, 1943; she came to the
8United States to study at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City,
9Iowa; she earned her master's degree in social work at
10Washington University; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Bernie Wong co-founded and led the Chinese
12American Service League (CASL); CASL is a common entry point
13for immigrants seeking assistance with housing, vocational and
14language training, child care, senior care, and other
15services; founded more than 40 years, CASL is a currently a
16multimillion dollar anchor organization that operates out of a
17building designed by famed architect Jeanne Gang and helps
18thousands of immigrants each year; she retired from her role
19at CASL at the end of 2016; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Bernie Wong received numerous awards, including a
21Champion of Change award from the Obama administration in
222012; she was a visionary leader and a powerhouse champion for

 

 

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1Chinatown, immigrants, the elderly, and the needy; her entire
2career was dedicated to helping others; and
 
3    WHEREAS, Bernie Wong helped to make Chicago's Chinatown
4community what it is today; she assisted countless people over
5the years and built up the community's social service
6infrastructure to welcome new immigrants and serve its
7population; she demonstrated admirable strength and courage,
8even as an immigrant to this country herself, and was someone
9who never hesitated to speak up as an advocate and champion for
10her community; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Bernie Wong was a devoted parishioner of the
12Mother Teresa of Calcutta Parish; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Bernie Wong enjoyed yoga and swam regularly; she
14treasured her family and friends; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Bernie Wong was preceded in death by husband,
16Albert Wong; her parents; her siblings, George, Charles, and
17Fillis; and brothers-in-law, Bill Joe and Henry Young; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Bernie Wong is survived by her daughter, Jacinta;
19her grandchildren, Tiana and Matthew; her sisters-in-law,
20Rosaline Young, Sue (Peter Wu) Wong, and Margaret and Agnes
21Lo; her brothers, Albert (Selina), William (Violet), and

 

 

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1Thomas (Esme) Lo; her 17 nieces and nephews; and her 17
2grand-nieces and grand-nephews; therefore, be it
 
3    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
4HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
5we mourn the passing of Bernarda "Bernie" Wong and extend our
6sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew
7and loved her; and be it further
 
8    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
9presented to the family of Bernie Wong as an expression of our
10deepest sympathy.