Plan for the Future
Jeannette Marie Leong went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 8, 2019. She passed away peacefully at home in New Providence surrounded by her loving family.
Jeannette was born on July 30, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan, to Y. Mae and Kai Chung Woo. She grew up in Oak Park, Michigan with her parents, brother (Woodrow) and sisters (Betty and Barbara) whom she loved dearly. She earned a BA in Art History from the University of Michigan. At college, Jeannette met the love of her life, James W. Leong. After marrying on May 23, 1981, Jim and Jeannette moved to New York to build a life together. Settling in New Providence, Jim and Jeannette were blessed in 1989 by the birth of their daughter Victoria, followed by the birth of their son David in 1992.
Precious memories of her family activities, traditions, vacations in Maui and her annual mother/daughter get away to Turks & Caicos with Victoria bring sweet and joyful remembrances. Whether she was shuttling her children and their friends to their many activities like swim meets or Cub Scouts, Jeannette was intimately and caringly involved in her kids’ lives. She rejoiced readily in each of their successes (be it simple or special). She rallied in her recent illness to see her son take his Hippocratic oath last spring as a medical doctor.
Jeannette had a tender place in her heart for those needing a caring ear, even little children, friends of Victoria and David as they were growing up, and especially when encouraging and supporting other moms and her own friends. Her friendships were deeply personal and precious to her.
She was a gracious host when holidays and special events were celebrated at the Leong household. Her events were always warm and welcoming with a refined flair that comforted her guests and also made them feel special. When there was a get together at the home of others or at her church, she would often arrive early and stay late to help; she enjoyed the after party with close friends!
Jeannette was blessed with many varied talents. When she first moved to New York, Jeannette worked as a manager and buyer for Macy’s Herald Square. For the last ten years, Jeannette worked as a paraprofessional at the Chatham Middle School. Jeannette had a passion for tennis, playing weekly for over 20 years with a close circle of friends and the local New Providence recreational tennis group.
Jeannette was a woman of deep Christian faith. She had a special talent in teaching and making Bible truths come alive to children in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was also active in women’s ministries over the years where she nurtured many loving friendships. In all her work, Jeannette bore a simple servant’s attitude.
In addition to her husband (Jim) and children (Victoria and David), Jeannette is survived by her brother Woodrow, sisters Betty and Barbara (Clarence); mother and father in law Kenneth and Kim; sisters in law May Lin (Tom), May Kee (Arvin) and May Ping; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2019 from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Bradley Brough & Dangler Funeral Home, 299 Morris Avenue in Summit. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at 11am at the New Providence Presbyterian Church, located at 1307 Springfield Avenue in New Providence. The family asks that those who wish to make a contribution in Jeannette’s memory, do so to the New Providence Presbyterian Church Children’s Ministry, 1307 Springfield Avenue, New Providence NJ 07974.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” Psalm 116:15
