Valerie Adele Kong's Obituary
Valerie Adele Kong, 79, passed away at home in San Jose, California, surrounded by her family, after a courageous fight with ovarian cancer on January 7, 2024. She was born in San Francisco, California on June 28,1944. Valerie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert Kong, her children Deborah Kong (Greg Kato), Katherine Kong (Jon Ryono), and Jennifer Kong, and her grandchildren Addie Ryono, Robby Kato, and Caroline “Grassy” Ryono.
Valerie was known for her kind and caring heart. She has passed her passion for books on to her children and grandchildren through countless hours of reading. Although her husband lives in fear of sandy cars, Valerie discovered a love for beach vacations and the ocean in her later years. She was a native of the San Francisco Bay Area and remained a faithful 49ers and Golden State Warriors fan, who continued watching Steph Curry until her last day.
Valerie attended Galileo High School and the University of California, Berkeley. She blended her enthusiasm for books, education and organization, through her work at the University of Oregon Cataloging library and her 23 years as a library assistant at Castillero Middle School.
A memorial service will be held at Skylawn Memorial Park on Sunday, February 4th, at 12:00 p.m. The address is Route 35 at Highway 92, San Mateo, CA. A private gathering will be held for the family.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: UCSF Foundation, PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339, and designate on the memo line that the gift is “In memory of Valerie Kong for 7028896”.
Valerie Adele Kong will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, loyalty, kindness, and selflessness will continue to inspire future generations. May she rest in peace.
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