Colene Wong Obituary

COLENE SMITH WONG Colene Smith Wong, 98, passed away peacefully on May 5 ,2025. She was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Honolulu after receiving her nursing degree from University of Michigan. She was the Assistant Director of Nursing at the Hawaii Territorial Hospital in Kaneohe and subsequently met Henry H. Wong and married him in 1957. After she retired from nursing she owned/managed Coco's Travel in Kailua and after the travel business was sold in 1987, she then devoted her life to the health and welfare of her husband, Henry. Colene was such a kind, sweet and generous person expressing gratitude to everyone who helped her. Everyone who knew her experienced her care, compassion and love. Together in life and united in purpose, Henry and Colene shared a commitment of compassion for those less fortunate in the community. Their legacy will endure through the Henry and Colene Wong Foundation established to help women and children and those in need of food and shelter. In his lifetime Henry made substantial gifts to St. Anthony's Church, St. Louis School, St. Ann's Church and School, St. Francis School, the St. Augustine Foundation, and Castle Hospital/Adventist Health. Major beneficiaries of the Wong Foundation are: Kalihi YMCA, Palama Settlement, Hawaii Foodbank, Helping Hands Hawaii, the Lawakua Charitable Fund, the Boys and Girls Club, Lanakila Meals on Wheels, The Mary Jane Home Program, and the AIO Foundation. Feeding Hawaii Together, Ho'ola Na Pua, Hawaii Literacy, Hawaii Youth Symphony, and Read To Me International also received help from the Wong Foundation in 2024. The Wong Foundation will carry on their lifelong values of generosity, empathy and support of the community in perpetuity. Colene is survived by her nephew, Al Smith and his wife, Brenda and 17 step grandchildren. A celebration of Colene's life will be held at St. Anthony's Church, 148 Makawao Street, #A, Kailua, Hawaii on July 9, 2025, visitation 10:00 am, service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers and monetary gifts, please make a donation in Colene's memory to either the Mary Jane Home Program (P.O. Box 663, Kailua, Hi. 96734) or to the Henry H. Wong Endowment Fund at St. Louis School (3142 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816).