MARIETTA ENG Obituary

MARIETTA CHONG ENG January 24, 1923 October 24, 2024 Marietta was born in Honolulu, the sixth of seven children and the last surviving member of the family of Chong Sum Wing, founder of Wing Coffee Company. Following graduation from McKinley High School in 1940, she attended the University of Hawaii and the University of Pennsylvania School of Allied Medical Professionals where she graduated with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Thereafter, she joined the U.S. Navy as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserves Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services (WAVES). Following officer training, she was stationed at Naval Hospitals in California, first at Mare Island, then at Corona. She worked with amputee soldiers returning from the front lines of WW II, helping them rehabilitate to everyday living. In 2021 for her military service, Marietta, along with other Chinese American patriots, was nationally recognized with the "Chinese American World War II Congressional Gold Medal". She was the only Chinese American woman to have served in the U.S. Navy during the war. Marietta's career continued at the Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Hospital in San Francisco and the Castro Valley United School District with special education. At age 67 she returned to Hawaii, working for 12 years at the Hawaii State Hospital as a teacher and occupational therapist. Marietta showed an avid interest in writing throughout her life. While a student at McKinley High School, she wrote a series of articles about school activities, some of which were published in the Honolulu Star Bulletin. Marietta played a prominent role documenting and preserving the history of Mun Lun School, Hawaii's first Chinese language school, established in 1911. She co-edited Mun Lun School's Centennial yearbook, "Hawaii's Shining Star Mun Lun School". Marietta wrote "100 Years of Wing Coffee Company, LTD 1904 2004", documenting the founding and development of the family business, as well as a piece celebrating her family entitled "My Five Brothers". Marietta also penned her autobiography at age 80, creating precious documentation of family history. Marietta is preceded in death by her husband, Herc Sanford Eng. Son, Edmund Gene Eng passed away on March 4, 2025. She is survived by family in California: son Dennis Sanford Eng, daughter Linda Eng Lui, son-in-law Kenneth Chuen Lui and granddaughter Kimberly Beth Lui. She will be missed by many relatives and friends in Hawaii and across the continent. Private services were held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.