Christine Wong

Family and friends near and far are mourning the passing of Christine Wong of Alexandria, VA, who died unexpectedly of natural causes on March 11, 2021. Born and raised in Port-Louis, Mauritius on March 29, 1960, Christine resided in the DC area since 1990. The second youngest of 13 children, she is survived by family members Paul in England; Marie Lourdes, Denise, Pauline and Ursula in Canada; and Christiane, J Laval, Simon, Freddy, Lily, Lise and Joseph in Mauritius as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren in Mauritius, Canada and the US. Christine was a faithful daughter, sister, aunt, godmother and true friend to many, including those in the Mauritian community of Washington, DC and those of the Community of Sant’Egidio, a Catholic organization to which she belonged and volunteered much of her time. She founded a branch of the community in Washington, led regular prayer services and tirelessly served those less fortunate in a DC nursing home since 1994. Her faith and membership as part of the Sant’Egidio community brought her regularly to Rome and to international inter-religious gatherings for peace as well as to founding a regular public prayer end to gun violence in Washington. Through her service at the nursing home, Christine closely accompanied many elderly friends over the years, with friendship, generosity and love. She was there for many of them in their last moments, and she lovingly ensured they were memorialized after their passing. Known for organizing the community’s Christmas lunch with the elderly at the nursing home, Christine personally ensured each person received a meaningful gift and mentored other volunteers with an inclusive and encouraging style. On a regular basis she also lovingly prepared meals for people experiencing homelessness in Washington. In all her service, hospitality and friendship Christine always added an extra touch of love. Growing up in Mauritius, Christine attended the Bon et Perpetuel high school and worked at the St. Croix Parish and the Labourdonais sugar estate before being recruited in 1990 to work at the World Bank in Washington, DC. In Mauritius, she had a special relationship with the Carmelite sisters of the Carmel de Bonne Terre convent where she spent many formative moments in prayer and contemplation. Before retiring from the World Bank in 2017, Christine had forged a 27-year career in international development, traveling extensively and working as a procurement and financial specialist on projects in various countries, including for many years in the Middle East, East Asia, and most recently in Myanmar. After retiring, Christine dedicated herself fully to volunteering with the Community of Sant’Egidio and to living a contemplative life through prayer and service. While contemplative in nature and never seeking the limelight, Christine also possessed a spirited zest for life. Her friends and family knew her to be a true “bon vivant” as she thoroughly enjoyed traveling to new places, attending theater shows and concerts, and appreciating good food and drink. At the time of her passing, she and friends were dreaming of future gatherings after the pandemic. All those who love her remember fondly the laughs and special moments they shared with Christine, the elaborate and delicious dinners she hosted at her apartment in Alexandria, the delightful meals in restaurants, the trips they took and the adventures they shared. Throughout the years Christine supported and mentored friends and family through her deep generosity, fun spirit and prayerfulness. She made an imprint of love on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply mourned and missed. *This viewing is private and may also be viewed via livestreaming due to COVID-19 restrictions. If you would like to follow online please join us via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93030707355?pwd=Zy9MSXdvdjJrVTk0K3RnMHpleFQrUT09. We appreciate your understanding during these extremely difficult times. A funeral mass will take place Friday March 26, 2021 at 6 pm St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church 2346 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC Those who cannot make it in person to the funeral mass or viewing and would like to follow online may join via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93030707355?pwd=Zy9MSXdvdjJrVTk0K3RnMHpleFQrUT09. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Christine’s memory to the Community of Sant’Egidio. Contact: santegidiousa@gmail.com. Paypal link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/santegidiousa

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Christine Wong

March 29, 1960 - March 11, 2021