Constance Ann Van Yserloo

Constance “Connie” Ann Van Yserloo, of Sherman Oaks, CA, died peacefully at home on November 17, 2024 at the age of 90.

Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, artist, singer, performer, yogi, TM teacher, lover of a good red lipstick and a good burger; our most divine goddess and dearest pal “from the river woods,” she is preceded in death by her son Bradley Wong (2009) and her infant daughter Mary Elizabeth Wong (1967).

She will be missed by many, including her loving family from around the globe. She is survived by her brother Ronald Van Yserloo (Walla Walla, WA) and her children Victoria Ann Wong (Lafayette, CO), Stephen Wong and his wife Claudia (Santa Monica, CA); Declan Wong (Twizel, New Zealand), Gregory Wong (Torrance, CA), Russell Wong (Sherman Oaks, CA), Michael Wong and his wife Janet (Hong Kong).

Her grandchildren are Cara Goman, Gwen Miale-Castro, Nicholas Wong, Kiley Wong, Kiriana Wong, Anataia Wong, Emerald Wong, Michaela Wong, Lily Wong, Eja Wong, Kayla Wong, Irisa Wong, and Kadin Wong. Her great-grandchildren are Henry, Theo and Charlie Goman; Makaia Hooper and Olive DuBois.

Connie was born September 11, 1934 in Saranac Lake, New York, to parents John Van Yserloo and Catherine Blanchard.

She was a gifted musician who learned piano (even missing school for her lessons!) and sang in the church choir.

Connie was married to William S. Wong (from Shan Dong province, China). They lived in Albany, NY where they raised their children and she made lifelong friends.

Ever the spiritual person, she learned and taught Transcendental Meditation (TM).

In 1980, she remarried and lived in Yosemite National Park with her husband William Matteson.

Connie attended Santa Monica College and won first place in a singing competition as a soprano. She also lived in Colorado before settling in Sherman Oaks.

Connie loved music and the arts. She was a gifted artist and musician who transcribed her own music by hand. She touched many with her unforgettable performances, including those at the Mayflower Club and the Gardenia Supper Club.

Her beautiful paintings will be cherished by many, and loved by those who knew her best.

We will miss you, you gorgeous gal.

“Just when the fun is starting

Comes the time for parting

But let's be glad for what we've had

And what's to come…”

—Song lyrics from “Some Other Time” by Leonard Bernstein