Kim Chong

Kim Chong has passed on. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, November 12 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Edwin Brinklow officiating.  Those wishing to sign Kim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mrs. Chong was a woman of innately refined taste, infinite strength, and quiet dignity. She never let a guest leave without filling them with multiple courses of the best cooking anyone has ever tasted.  Her turkey stuffing was unparalleled, a thing to be dreamed of many months before Thanksgiving every year.  She possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of skincare, and an unfailing kindness that warmed everyone who had the honor of knowing her.  She was right annoyingly often, but had the integrity and grace to concede on the [rare] occasion she was wrong. For reasons unknown to the rest of her family, she loved football and could discuss the merits of college and pro teams with the depth of any talent scout.  She was the most dedicated mother to ever live—enthusiastically supporting years of off-key band concerts, early morning skating meets, and other nerve-grating interests.  She loved opera, travel, and pralines and cream ice cream. She had a brilliant mind, with superlative grades and unlimited career potential.  Kim was as tough as she was brilliant, enduring excruciating pain with a soldier’s bravery and a gentle sense of humor until the very end. Kim leaves behind family and friends who give thanks that she graced us with her presence, and desperately mourn her loss.  We are all better for having known her, and immeasurable diminished by her absence.