Sue van Wiggeren, 92, of Fairhaven, wife of the late Richard H. van Wiggeren, passed away on Saturday August 10, 2019, while at Care One at New Bedford with her loving family by her side. Affectionately known as “Suzie Wong”, she embraced and loved life, and was courageous and determined.
Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Jade (Woo) Wong. She graduated from New Bedford High School in 1944.
Raised into the restaurant business, she and her family successfully operated Charlie Wong’s in New Bedford. At the early age of 25, she spearheaded the opening of the Cathay Temple in Mattapoisett. “The Temple”, as it became known, was a gathering spot for many generations. She was a sharp business woman and well respected in the community.
Sue is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored: Kathryn Hurlburt and her husband Charles “Beau” Hurlburt of Mattapoisett, their children Charles G. “Gray” Hurlburt of Brooklyn, NY and Peter Hurlburt of Nashville, TN, and Laura Lanagan of Mattapoisett, her children Thomas M. Lanagan, Jr. of West Falmouth, Alyson and her husband Tyler W. Herrick, Ryan J. Lanagan, and great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jr. and Hazel Jane Herrick, all of Nantucket. She is also survived by her sisters, May W. and husband Philip Moy of Fairhaven and Debbie Holt of Connecticut, and many nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Meline Loo, Claudia Wong, Dennis Wong, Stephen Wong, and Loy Wong.
Suzie’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the entire staff of Care One at New Bedford for their loving care of our mother. Despite her spunky attitude, you always treated her with kindness, dignity and respect.
Private services and burial were elegantly directed by the Saunders family and attended by immediate family at Riverside Cemetery in Fairhaven. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service at the Unitarian Memorial Church, 102 Green Street, Fairhaven on Saturday October 19, 2019 at 11 am. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
