Margaret P. Yung
May 3, 2024 – 11:30am cst
Ng Seoi Ling
Margaret Phyllis Yung (nee Wah)
Margaret was born in Feilding, New Zealand to Leslie and Dolly Wah on May 29, 1933. Margaret was born under the sign of the Rooster. A person under this sign is described as self-reliant and independent, which very much was Margaret. She was the third of four children (Paul, Esther, Margaret, and Graham). She had a nature about her that made her the favorite with her father, which she used to some personal effect, as children are wont to do. She easily made friends while growing up in and around a tumultuous time in the world, for New Zealand had its share of bigotry and prejudice against Chinese. She was able to rise above it all, and made a successful career working for various firms, eventually landing with National Airways Corporation in New Zealand.
Margaret loved to travel and have a good time. She traveled frequently to Hong Kong and Macau with friends and family members. Her job at New Zealand’s National Airway Corporation allowed her the freedom to hop on a plane when she was off work and travel to anywhere NAC flew. The freedom to explore other parts of the world suited her independent nature.
She met Allen Yung in Taiwan during her travels through Chinese territories in the early 1960’s. Allen was still in the merchant marines of the Taiwan Navy at the time. They married on November 1, 1961, and had their first child, Laurence, on September 13, 1962 in Wellington, New Zealand. Margaret, Allen, and Laurence relocated to Nelson, New Zealand, and the couple welcomed their second child, Kevin, on July 28, 1968.
Eventually, everyone made a permanent home in the Chicagoland area circa 1973. Margaret worked hard at making a loving, comfortable home for her family, while also working for the McDonald’s corporation in the corporate offices in Oakbrook, Illinois. Her proficiency at McDonald’s allowed her to secure a job at the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority as the payroll supervisor, where she retired after 25 years of stellar service. She made many friends and helped train and mentor others while there.
In 1997, Laurence married Laura, and they had their first child, Cathleen Margaret. Both Allen and Margaret were ever present in Cathleen’s life, and they enjoyed helping raise and care for Cathleen, especially when she had some early bumps in the road. In 2003, Laurence and Laura brought home Jennifer Elizabeth, and Margaret and Allen welcomed their second grandchild into the fold.
After retirement, Margaret traveled with Allen around the globe. They cruised on the QE2 and a Viking European riverboat. They also traveled to New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, many parts of China, Russia, England, and France, and other European countries. Many of those trips were with Kevin. While she enjoyed traveling, her passion was being active and visiting with her grandchildren.
After Allen died, Margaret continued to remain active with friends and family. Even though she traveled less and less, she was still able to have Cathleen and Jennifer visit with her many times, and especially over holidays. This was a time when the family would make the family recipes for Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Sui Bao) and Red Bean Paste (Dou Sha Bao) buns in celebration of holidays, or just as an excuse to celebrate being together. Margaret was always asking after her grandchildren, and wanted to be sure they had all they needed to succeed. She often commented to Laurence that both Cathleen and Jennifer had all the smarts and skills to succeed in life.
Margaret was a very independent woman, a trait she likely saw in her mother, Dolly. Margaret would put you through your paces, and if you met with her approval, she would be in your corner no matter what. She gave unselfishly of her time to friends and family throughout her life. When someone was ill or needed help, she would be the first person to step in and help shoulder the burden of others. She enjoyed playing Mahjong, especially towards her later years, as it enabled her to use her noggin and keep in touch with her family.
Margaret made friends easily, and loved being involved in others’ lives. She especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren. As with most grandparent’s, she had a special relationship with Cathleen and Jennifer. Both the girls had many cherished memories of their time spent with Margaret right up to her death.
Margaret is survived by her eldest son, Laurence, a family physician, and Kevin, who works for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. In addition, she is survived by Laurence’s wife Laura, and two grandchildren, Cathleen, who works for NOAA, and Jennifer, who is completing studies to be a materials science engineer at University of Michigan, her elder sister Esther, a retired school teacher, and many other nieces and nephews.
Margaret will be remembered as a pragmatic, independent, self-reliant, hardworking, persevering woman. Her spirit will go on with her children and grandchildren, other family members, and friends she met along the way.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in memory of Margaret to Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor https://rmhcannarbor.org/donate/ or Bethany Christian(send donation for adoption services) https://bethany.org/get-involved/donate
Friends and family will gather for a visitation for Margaret that will be held on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, prayer service from 11:30 AM to 12:30, with burial to follow at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chapelhillgardenswest.com for the Yung family.
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