Annie Tam Gong

Annie (Tam) Gong died peacefully at home in New York, New York, on August 31, 2026.

Born in Macau on January 15, 1937, Annie was the daughter of Yui Chau Tam and Lai Ying Gee. She married Robert Kwok Gong in Hong Kong in July 1962, and together they raised their three children, Elaine, Stephen, and Stanley, in the East Village of New York City. Her life spanned decades of devotion to family and deep connection to the communities around her.

Annie embraced life with a true carpe diem spirit. She was widely admired for her energy and joie de vivre, and she brought that spirit into ordinary days as naturally as into special occasions. She loved to swim, dance, and sing. She delighted in joining her children and grandchildren in activities and adventurous trips, and she was equally happy simply sharing conversation with family, neighbors, and even strangers. Those who encountered Annie often remembered her openness and warmth. Outgoing, friendly, and altruistic, she left an impression on people from many walks of life.

That gift for human connection remained evident in recent years. After the closing of her home parish, her family brought her to daily Mass on 14th Street. Strolling there by wheelchair, many people who knew her were glad to see her and shared their own memories of meeting her over the years. Their stories brought comfort and warmth to her family. The same neighborhood streets also held another rhythm of Annie’s daily life: the walks she took to swim at the Y on 14th Street, a place tied to one of the activities she loved most.

Annie’s working life reflected her versatility and commitment. Her occupations included teaching in Hong Kong, managing the family-owned gift shop on Mott Street in Chinatown, working alongside her husband at Reliable Bookkeeping Service, and assisting her siblings at Cathay Epicurean Restaurant in the West Village. In each setting, she contributed her time and effort in support of family and shared enterprise.

Yet the center of Annie’s life was always her family. She loved them fiercely and dedicated herself to making life better for both immediate and extended family. She was a devoted housewife, daughter, sister and in-law; a nurturing mother; and a loving and caring grandmother to her grandsons. Her care was often expressed in practical, memorable ways. She carefully selected the finest fruits. She would accompany her children up to music lessons and whatever activities she felt would enhance their lives. She drove a dozen nephews and nieces, along with her own children, in her Buick Satellite to Chinese lessons (yes, it was possible before seatbelt laws). She also enjoyed playing mahjong with her siblings, one of the many ways family life was woven into her daily joy.

Her family’s memories of Annie are also shaped by the example she and Robert set together. Growing up, her children saw firsthand the many selfless acts both parents extended to others. Over time, they came to understand that what they witnessed was only a small part of the compassion Annie had shown to family and strangers alike.

Annie was also a lifelong Knicks and basketball fan. Even as recent years brought difficult changes, that part of her story remained a cherished one for those who knew her and she would have delighted in the recent championship.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert K. Gong; her grandson, Christopher Mark; and her granddaughter, Lauren Mark.

She is survived by her daughter, Elaine, and her husband, Stephen Mark; her son Stephen and his wife, Angela Gong; her son Stanley and his wife, Susan Gong; and her four grandsons, Austin Gong, James Gong, Robert Mark, and Thomas Mark.

Visitation will be held at Wah Wing Sang Funeral Home, 26 Mulberry Street, New York City, on September 13, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 175-20 74th Avenue, Fresh Meadows, New York, on September 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 1629 Bushwick Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, on September 14, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Annie Gong’s honor to

the Alzheimer’s Association  https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/elainemark/annie-gong---full-of-life-again-and-forever-young

or God’s Love We Deliver

https://www.glwd.org/?form=FUNHWGRHJHE&utm_source=website&utm_medium=home_page_support_header&utm_campaign=IND&utm_content=support_button

Annie Gong will be remembered in the many lives she touched through her conversation, generosity, energy, and unwavering dedication to her family. Her memory remains closely held by those who knew her and shared in her long and remarkable life.