Obituary: Health Advocate Marilyn Wong, 70, The Dalles — Columbia Community Connection News Mid-Columbia Region

Marilyn Wong

Jan. 22, 1954 — May 31, 2024

Marilyn Wong was born on January 22, 1954, the 4th child and first girl to parents Shung and Yuk Chu Wong. Marilyn attended Petersburg and graduated from Wahtonka. She graduated from Oregon State University School of Pharmacy.

During her younger years, Marilyn and her siblings worked on the farm owned by her parents. She earned enough money to pay for college as most of her siblings did. Marilyn did her internship at Davies Rexall Drugs. After she received her pharmacy license, Marilyn continued to work at Davies.

In March of 1981, Marilyn was hired by Fred Meyers in The Dalles. She continued her career as a pharmacist, manager (head pharmacist) and then part-time pharmacist for 42 + years. Marilyn was a leader in our community and a great example for many pharmacy students, interns and technicians.

As 42+ years working at Fred Meyer wasn’t keeping her busy enough, Marilyn volunteered her time for many community activities. A few of the activities were a pharmacy adviser for Hospice, budget committee member for two terms at Columbia Gorge Community College, and spearheaded the Fred Meyer team for the Festival of Trees for several years.

Marilyn participated in walks for March of Dimes, ACS Making Strides, Susan B Komen Breast Cancer Walk, Portland Grand Floral Parade Pre-walk and the Junior Parade for Fred Meyer, and many more. Her most passionate volunteer work was for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, promoting research, education, advocacy and services. She started the Fred Meyer Family and Friends team that participated in Hood River for four years and then spearheaded a new relay site in The Dalles in 2001. Eventually, Hood River and The Dalles merged into one event, Relay for Life of Mid-Columbia. Marilyn also liked to help with decorating floats for the Portland Rose Festival.

In addition to her many volunteer activities, Marilyn enjoyed traveling to South America, Asia, Japan, Europe, OSU bowl games, and Portland Winterhawks’ Booster Club trips. Her other passions included being a member of The Bonsai Society in Portland, and activities associated with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

Marilyn was an inspiration to all who knew her and her presence in the community will be missed.

Marilyn passed away on May 31, 2024, at OHSU after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Shung and Yuk Chu Wong. Marilyn is survived by her brothers: Hang, Bing, Ping, John, and her sister, Sandra.

Marilyn’s Celebration of Life will be July 12 starting at 5:45 PM at Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society in memory of Marilyn.