Margaret Chai Wan Ong

My mother was always there for me no matter what. I’ll be eternally grateful for the sacrifices she made to give me the best start in life. She was courageous, kind, warm, funny and generous with her time. She raised me on her own in the 70s, in a country far away from her family in Singapore. She was a formidable restauranteur who was firm but fair to her staff and made every customer feel special. She loved to feed people, as many Chinese matriarchs do! She adored her grandchildren Milo and Maggie – Milo loved talking to her about how Arsenal was doing. And I know she admired Maggie from a young age and always hoped she’d be a strong and feisty Ong woman in keeping with her and my aunties and cousins. Words cannot express my feelings of loss, my anchor has gone but her guidance throughout my life and her influence will remain with me forever. I miss you Ma x

Paula just to let u know that we missed her a lot as being our older sister and she had left behind a loving daughter por por yeema and yeepoh referring to grandchildren nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews and RIP dear sis

My dearest sister— I am so sad to have arrived in London from the US and you are not here. It feels so different, you were always one of the highlights of our trip. After all, you were the matriarch of the Ong family. I always looked forward to taking you out to lunch at one of your favorite Chinese restaurants. We then would visit you at your home and poke fun at your highly sanitized apartment. You had a great sense of humor. You were so funny also—I enjoyed hearing stories of your mischief in your early years in the UK. Not to mention (since I am the youngest of 12), I sought your life experiences for advice. I miss our often long chats over the phone. We had so many things to talk about, so many laughs, so many siblings in between you and me to make fun of (good natured, of course). Alas, I now take comfort that you are no longer suffering and hopefully someday we will meet again. You are sorely missed Ah Cha (sis).

Ee Mah Margaret – matriach of the Ong family – elegant, bright and with a calm strength. Adored and respected by all. She was an amazing aunt – full of love, fun, had a brilliant sense of humour and loved hearing from us – although of course, like a true Asian (despite her many years lived in London), would always tell us not to waste our money calling her. Despite being chronically ill, she remained graceful, digified and kind, patiently indulging the many bewildered trainee doctors who came to see her as a ‘model’ clinical case. She delighted in discovering that renal dialysis was the perfect time to indulge in a packet of crisps & chocolate, and would ensure she was well-supplied during those sessions. Not not for herself – but for everyone in the dialysis unit – nursing staff, other patients and drivers. She looked out for others and was constantly gifting to cleaners, family, friends, and even strangers. A tribute to her incredibly thoughtful and generous nature. We have many treasured memories of Ee Mah Margaret – from visiting her Melati restaurant for a delicious meal as children (a highlight of our family trips to England), to laughing together over the obligatory Imperial China lunch. We love you Ee Mah Margaret. You remain an inspiration to us and we will miss you deeply. xxx

When I heard the sad news of Margaret’s passing, I held a little private goodbye ceremony for her on the beach in Bali with Balinese offerings. I have so many lovely memories of the fun, the laughter and the giggles we shared with Rosita at Melati Restaurant, going for pork duck and rice in China Town and the one Chinese New Year celebration Rosita and I were invited to. I feel privileged to have been at the receiving end of Margaret’s incredible hospitality and generosity. I will miss your beautiful, smiling face Margaret. RIP my friend ❤️

My dear old friend Margaret is a truly amazing lady, vibrant n always cheerful inspite of her declining health in later years. She has a heart full of kindness n love for everyone who knows her.She will b greatly missed by all her families n friends. May she now rest in peace .

I will always remember my sister Margaret for her very warm welcome to me when I first arrived in England in December 1967. It was dark, dreary and bitterly cold in London for a naive first time traveller from the tropics. She welcomed me with two winter coats in her arms. I appreciated her kindness and the lovely smile on her face when I was shivering. I will miss you beloved sister and also our weekly chats . Farewell and rest in peace dear sister.

My darling Margaret I have resisted writing on this because it was too much like admitting I couldn’t just pick up the phone for one of our long gossipy chats that always ended in laughter no matter the seriousness of the topic (your family, or mine, sometimes ourselves, often people we’ve met on our respective journeys). I know how much you wanted to stay to see the Queen’s jubilee so I watched it for you – that’s three days I’ll never get back – you may well laugh. Our faith, another topic which invariably ended in giddy laughter, assures us that death is not the end but a door to the other world, a bridge that joins here with the hereafter. And I know that when I cross that bridge you will be there and oh! the stories we’ll have to tell. Until then, my much loved friend, may the angels lead you into paradise. Always, always with love and gratitude that our hearts met.   Rosita xxxxx

My dearest eldest sister, Margaret. Today was supposed to be a day of birthday celebration with you and the rest of the family but now we are doing a celebration of your life instead. We don’t talk often enough on the phone but the times that we did, it was a mixture of laughters, worries and other in between stuffs. I got to discover what a magnanimous person you were when I first visited you in London in the 70s and wandering around Chinatown. The receptions I had the moment they discovered I am Margaret’s sister! It was then that you were known as the ‘mafia’ queen and well respected. I take comfort that you are are finally pain free and resting in the Lord. You will definitely be missed.

Yema Margaret, you will be missed so much. You were the wisest and calmest of the Ongs (don’t tell the rest!). We all only have positive memories about you because you were an amazing person. I remember you took mum and I in during your Melati days and I learnt so much while living with you, including where to hide sweets when I’m not meant to have them! And how to use kitchen towel to clean everything! Thank you for always looking out for our whole family. I’m so glad I was able to speak to you a few weeks ago and introduce you to your fur grand nephew Kaki (yes he does count Yema!)! I know mum is grateful she was able to get to England to see you one last time and say goodbye.  The only good thing about this is you’re no longer suffering and in a better place than here on earth.  We love you so much and the world will be a bit sadder now you’re gone.   Much love, M&M and the Wongs

Margaret Ong My very close friend since Nursing school in UK! Even we are so far apart, me in USA Margaret in UK We communicated via phone n we talked for hours I missed our good chat ! Margaret was a good friend, generous n caring! I am sad and miss her ! RIP Margaret!

Dear Margaret, “Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest” (Maya Angelou). You were always generous-hearted, and courageous, and your spirit lives on in Paula. Sometimes we do not have a choice but to be courageous, and you were – with the curve balls which came your way – life and health challenges. One indelible image comes to me when I think of you: the image of my little youngest brother holding the hand of my youngest sister at Katong Shopping Centre when Paula was just learning to walk. I was very young myself and you were a mere decade older then. Life brought us together unexpectedly. It could have gone different ways, but we agreed on one key purpose which we have achieved together, so leave this world with peace, Margaret, for whatever the next destination has, or might be. Thank you for being the mother of my youngest sister. Love, Margaret.

My dear Yvonne, my heart feels sad for you as well as for Elaine, Hazel, Rita, Maureen, Eva, Cedric and Sonny on the loss of your beloved sister. Losing a sister so precious leaves a huge hole in the heart. I only knew Margaret briefly but felt drawn to her from the moment we were introduced. She had a knack for making people feel comfortable in her presence, like they mattered. What a sweet soul with a loving heart, and a genuine interest in people and fondness for fellow human beings. I enjoyed my chats with Margaret when I visited London twice (during those two trips, she graciously provided a room for me). I marveled at her positive attitude, upbeat personality and her zest for living in spite of having to deal with serious health issues on a daily basis. It was evident that while her body was weak, her spirit was irrepressible.  I hope her loved ones find comfort in the knowledge that Margaret lived an inspirational and praise-worthy life and that she will continue to live in the memory of those whose lives she touched. My deepest sympathy to you all.

EeMa was generous to a fault, glamorous, and had a gloriously wicked sense of humour.  I will miss our chats, her guidance, her oftentimes exasperating and exacting directions.  I will even miss our arguments about eating fruit and vegetables, with Brussels sprouts being a particular point of contention. EeMa had a real zest for life: she was fun and vivacious.  When I lived with her during my final years of school, I recall one occasion where on a night out with friends I did not make it to Melati in time for curfew/my ride home with her once she had closed the restaurant.  I caught a cab home imagining all the trouble I was going to be in only to find that a certain someone was not home yet either.  Calls to mobiles went unanswered, many frantic hours passed.  Finally as the sun came up, EeMa returned home: she’d been out herself and lost track of time! Sundays were for watching Songs of Praise and the EastEnders omnibus.  Despite never watching a whole episode, the opening intro to EastEnders is probably forever seared into my brain.  As is the majority of the Les Mis songbook thanks to EeMa’s frequent requests for me to sing her favourite numbers to her.  She is never far from my thoughts when I hear it. I will always be grateful for EeMa’s love and care, and have no doubt that she will be sorely missed and dearly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her. You fought a good fight.  Be at peace now, Empress.

Dear Margaret, I don’t think I ever met someone so kind and generous. Thank you for opening your home to me and looking after me all those years ago. We had a blast in Ilford – you, me, Eamonn and Cedric (whilst poor Paula was out working!). From the cling filmed remote to your endless desire to feed me (and everyone else)…those wonderful Sundays we all shared eating out, you subjecting people to chickens’ feet, late nights at Charlie Chesters…. So many great memories that I shall treasure… Lots of love Sarah xxx

My God mother aka Kei Ma . I miss her cheekiness … “Christopher dont be rude with your mother , oh sorry my love you are Nicholas arent you“ “Nicholas why did you use the bb gun on Paula jie jie … hurry up say sorry “  “Nicky darling , i know you are smoking , if we share one i wont tell your mummy “  My mum – “nick do you want to be auntie margaret’s god son “ i said yes with out any hint of hesitant . The last time she came to Singapore to visit was when my grandmother passed away and i was having a hard time with my mum. We had a really long chat about life and the lessons it entails. She taught and made me who i am today. Miss you Godma … have a bag of chips and a can of coke up there and i will see you soon. love nick

Dearest Paula and family, our sincere condolences on Margaret’s passing and apologies for not being able to attend the funeral physically . We love you very much and are very thankful and greatful for all the years with Margaret. We will miss her continuous amount of advices that she gave us through the years and even talking to us on the phone to let us know how she was while she wasn’t as well. We are very sad to see her go but she is at a better place with God now. May she rest in peace and have a more peaceful life above. lots of love and kisses Sarisha & Shobha

My dear Margaret , you are the sister that’s I never had. We got yo know each other’s when I was in my teens. Love the crazy adventures we shared together, you playing cards with our friends the whole night while I serve drinks, when I’m sick as usual with my sore throat you will buy me porridge, love that recipe can talk about anything under the sun. It’s funny how I ended up being Paula’s godma and you were Nicholas’ godma. Though I’m not in London, we have our long chats each time last 45 mins to catch up. It never feels like we aren’t oceans away. I will miss you , our chats and your sense of humour. Love you lots , Margaret.

Empress Dowager—my beloved sister Margaret! Thank you for your outstretched loving arms that kept me warm and safe during my years in London. I will miss you. Sleep and Rest In Peace.

What can I say about my good friend Margaret. Well, she has been a constant in my life for 40 years. Kind, generous full of fun and incredibly courageous. Despite her poor health she continued to embrace life – a true inspiration. Time spent in her company was always full of laughter as we shared treasured moments. I shall miss our phone calls and her presence in my life but feel privileged to call her friend and I am blessed to have known her for so long.The world is poorer place without her. God bless you Margaret – no more aches and pain. Love Shirley