Garling Wong
March 28, 1939 – November 9, 2025

Garling Wong, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and pioneering businesswoman, passed away peacefully on November 9th, 2025, in Novi, Michigan. She was born on March 28th, 1939, in Canton, China.

Garling's life was marked by resilience, ambition, and a deep love for her family. Alongside her husband, Kim Yen Wong, whom she married on August 10th, 1956, Garling built an enduring legacy as a restaurateur and respected entrepreneur. After immigrating from Trinidad, the couple relocated their restaurant, Kim's Garden, from Detroit to Novi in 1979, where they continued serving their community for over 30 years.

Garling was known for her fierce determination, quick wit, and sharp mind. She had an unmatched ability to calculate figures on her abacus faster than any calculator and an extraordinary memory that made phone books unnecessary—she knew the phone numbers of her family and close friends by heart. Beyond her business success, she was deeply kind and generous, often going out of her way to help others. She played an important role in helping many Chinese immigrants establish stable lives in the United States, earning admiration and gratitude from countless families.

Outside of work, Garling enjoyed playing mahjong, following horse racing, visiting the casino with her husband, and keeping a close eye on the stock market. Her quick humor and spirited personality made her the heart of any gathering.

Garling is survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, Kim Yen Wong; daughter Karen Yee (spouse John Yee); daughter-in-law Betty Wong; and cherished grandchildren Alexander Wong (spouse Jiashan Lang), Clinton Wong (spouse Kaylee Wong), and Erika Wong (fiancé Alex Zhang). She was predeceased by her beloved son Dedan Wong, her daughter Glenis Wong, and her parents Jerry Yee and Bik Ha Yun.
Those who knew Garling will remember her as a pillar of strength—fierce, intelligent, and endlessly generous. She loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and lived fully.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home in Novi, followed by a family sharing service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens (43300 W 12 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48377) at 1:00 p.m., with a luncheon beginning at approximately 2:15 p.m. at Royal Wall (31178 Beck Rd, Novi, MI 48377).

Garling's remarkable life will be celebrated by all who were fortunate to know her. Her legacy of love, strength, and generosity will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.