Auntie Bo was an important and influential figure in my life. We spent a lot of time together; she was like a second grandmother to me. The both of us shared similar interests such as traveling, art, music, fashion, and health. Maybe that’s why we got along so well. 

Auntie Bo always supported my artistic endeavors and encouraged me to explore different creative avenues including painting, violin, and ice skating, to name a few. When I was a young girl, I once told her that I wanted to try my hand at abstract painting and create something just like the artwork that hung in her living room wall. Auntie Bo helped me set up a small easel with some paint and paintbrushes in her courtyard and told me to paint away! She also lent me my first violin which I even won a music competition with, and gifted me my first calligraphy set which I cherished very much. 

Hanging out with Auntie Bo was always full of fun and learning. As a young girl, I visited the house often and have fond memories of helping her around the house. We picked lemons and oranges off her fruit trees in the spring. She taught me how to plant flower bulbs and set up for house parties. We even folded laundry together. Auntie Bo always said that sorting Uncle Guy’s large pile of identical-looking black socks’ was good practice for me because it taught patience and attention to detail. During the summers, oftentimes I’d come over to the house for a swim; I remember looking forward to it every time. Sometimes Auntie Bo would join and direct me on proper stroke form. Other times, we would sit by the poolside and chat about all sorts of things, like old BFFs from different generations. 

As I got older and busier, Auntie Bo and I never lost touch. There were times where we emailed each other almost daily, sharing jokes or chatting about what was going on in our lives. Auntie Bo would often send me souvenirs and postcards from the exotic destinations that she and Uncle Guy traveled to; it was a testament to her thoughtful nature and knack for keeping in touch with others.

Whenever I was back in town, the both of us loved visiting the Stanford Shopping Center, especially the makeup counters at Neiman Marcus; she had the ladies there teach me how to apply makeup. Auntie Bo even taught me how to do my own facial! Other memories include renting movies from Blockbuster and watching them together all night long, and going on a day trip to Half Moon Bay where we dined at a charming hotel and afterwards took a stroll among the scenic views. Those are just a few memories with Auntie Bo that I think back on dearly. 

Uncle Guy and Auntie Bo always welcomed my parents and me graciously into their home. I’ll never forget Auntie Bo’s jubilant “yoohoo!” when we walked in the door. She would invite us into the kitchen to sit and offer us drinks and a bite to eat. Many merry conversations were made around that kitchen counter. The five of us would go out to lunch and habitually make a stop afterwards at Prolific Oven to buy a chocolate cake (a favorite of my dad and Uncle Guy). Auntie Bo always said that the door was open for us whenever we wanted to come visit.

Although the time spent with Auntie Bo could have always been more, I appreciate the fact that she (and Uncle Guy) were there for many milestones in my life: birthdays, music performances, high school, and college graduation. Auntie Bo was a woman of considerable congeniality, timeless sophistication, and had a penchant for good fun and adventure. She also had a nurturing manner about her, and provided unending support and inspiration to her loved ones. I will forever remember her lessons on living life to the fullest with grace, dignity, and joie de vivre. How lucky I am to have known such a wonderful lady.

I will remember Auntie Barbara with fondness and warmth. Years ago, Terry and I visited your Palo Alto home. Auntie Barbara welcomed us with a cheese platter showcasing her culinary insight on what paired well together. One of the cheeses had a white rind and strong earthy aroma while the inside was rich, creamy, and buttery. To avoid the rind, I considered scraping out the inside but by the second wedge, I was able to tolerate the bloomy mushroom flavor. Auntie Barbara, thank you for inviting us into your home, spending time with Terry and I, and introducing me to brie cheese. Every time I eat brie it reminds me of our time together. 

With sympathy,

Karen Okazaki Wong

I will always remember Auntie Barbara’s welcoming smile as we reunited after long periods of not seeing each other. She greeted me with a unique warmth that radiated from her so naturally and sincerely. From the early years at their home in Palo Alto I witnessed her devotion to her two boys as toddlers and later as they became teenagers. Their successful maturation into adulthood was a direct result of Auntie Barbara’s and Uncle Guy’s nurturing and guidance and will provide the foundation for raising their own families.

Auntie Barbara’s presence will be missed but her spirit will inspire us as we move forward.

With respect and love,

Terry Wong

I am truly saddened by the passing of my Aunt Barbara. Auntie Bo held a special place in my life and was more than just an aunt to me.

My earliest memories of Auntie Bo was in the early 60’s. I remember our family went to the airport to see her off to her new teaching assignment in Japan. We boarded the airplane and stayed with her until it was time for the plane to depart. Try doing that now! I wrote her letters asking her about what life was like there. She wrote back, saying she was enjoying her experience very much. In one of my letters I asked her to buy me a telescope while she was there, which she generously did and shipped it over. I enjoyed using it on many dark and cold nights looking at the moon and the stars. Because of her generous gift, to this day I have a keen interest in astronomy and space travel.

One day a large wooden crate arrived at my grandfather’s ranch from Japan with lots of items she bought from her time there, containing gifts for everyone. Artwork, statues, clothing, and even a ceramic barbecue that my grandparents enjoyed using for many years. Needless to say, helping Auntie Bo unpack all these exotic items was memorable and exciting as a young boy!

Auntie Bo had an adventurous spirit, and loved sharing many of her fun experiences with others. Most notably, I remember riding with her in her 1964 Buick Skylark, which she drove around catching the breeze with all the rolled windows down.

In the 70’s, I lived with Uncle Guy and Auntie Bo at their Palo Alto home to attend college, and became part of their family during my time there. I’ll never forget their kindness and generosity. Auntie Bo always made sure my stay was comfortable and that I was doing well in my classes.

Over the years I came to help house sit while they were on vacation. My family Peggy, Stephanie, and I sorted their mail, watered her plants including her favorite apple tree in the backyard, and performed various odd jobs around the house, so they would not have any worries while away.

One of my favorite memories with Auntie Bo was sitting at her kitchen table and socializing over coffee and chocolate cake from Prolific Oven. Auntie Bo was always happy to see friends and family. Her presence brightened up the room. We felt welcomed and at ease because of her friendly demeanor, smile, and delightful sense of humor. Despite the health challenges she faced in her later years, she still made time to call and check up on me and my family often. 

In her final years she was a real trooper, but it was heartbreaking to see her health decline, robbing her of her short-term memory and that unforgettable twinkle in her eyes. Auntie Bo you were truly a wonderful aunt and I am fortunate to have been a part of your life. You have touched the lives of many and will never be forgotten. Sorry I wasn’t able to be there when you passed away.

I was saddened when I heard the passing of Mrs. Barbara J Wong. I’m so honored to met Dr. Wong and Mrs. Wong and I like to share my story. I met Mrs. Wong back in 1986, when I was dating her niece Cheryl, daughter of her older brother Mr. Robert Fong. Mrs. Wong was very friendly, cheerful, caring, energetic, vibrant and always welcoming. I always enjoyed getting together with family for Thanksgiving gatherings at their home in Palo Alto. Mrs. Wong often invited us to many occasions and we would hang out in the kitchen with lots of food & drinks, and at the patio decorated with beautiful flowers arrangements & refreshments. There was a swimming pool at the house and I didn’t have my swim shorts and Mrs. Wong would let me borrow one of the boys swim trunks, so that we could spend more quality time socializing with family members around the swimming pool area. I also remember Andrew & Brian when they were in the middle school, they would play musical instruments such as piano and violin, Mrs. Wong would have the boys entertained relatives and guests in the living room. I am thankful to Andrew & Brian till this day, back in 1996 when I was getting married to Mrs. Wong niece Cheryl, the boys were part of our wedding ceremony and they made it memorable. Andrew sang opera tenor tune at the church reception and Brian serenaded us with violin musical piece at the wedding banquet. Mrs. Wong was very proud of her two boys and with their many accomplishments displayed trophies in their kitchen. In the summer of 2008 Labor Day holiday weekend, we were honored when Mrs. Wong invited us over to their beach house in Aptos. We had two boys of our own ages 10 & 8 years old and we took a road trip to Aptos. Mrs. Wong told us that there was a state beach nearby, we visited the Seacliff visitors center, we walk around the pier and Mrs. Wong took the boys on the beach to collect some seashells. Dr. Wong & Mrs. Wong later took us out for a nice delicious Chinese cuisine dinner, invited us to stay overnight at their beach house with a view of the pacific oceans and you can hear the sound of the endless waves splashing down back and forth. We enjoyed the stay, had a great time, most memorable was we got to spend quality time with Dr. Wong & Mrs. Wong and very much appreciated for their hospitality. We will truly miss her very much, we will always remember her smile, her gracefulness and her kindness generosity. My sincere condolences to Dr. Guy Wong and family.