Roots That Shaped a Creative Force
When I read about Connie Van Yserloo, I was drawn to her vivid energy. Born September 11, 1934 in Saranac Lake, New York, she lived for nine decades until her quiet death at home in Sherman Oaks, California, on November 17, 2024, at 90. Her Dutch American and French roots gave her a sturdy base like the Adirondack woodlands of her birthplace. Every chapter she showed resilience. She was modest and strong from the start, which led to artistic expression and family loyalty. She lived 90 years, created many works, and reared eight children throughout cultural upheavals few could match. Her narrative is like a patient, unstoppable river cutting stone.
The Canvas of Her Artistic Soul
Connie Van Yserloo painted with oils on canvas in sizes like 36 by 32 inches capturing themes that felt alive with feminine power. She sculpted installed pieces and mastered decoupage turning a simple 10 inch plate into a homage to classic art like Manets Argenteuil. Her studio window displays at Carter Sexton Art Store drew eyes from passersby who paused to admire the color and depth. Beyond visual art she sang in cabaret shows at spots such as the Gardenia Supper Club and the Mayflower Club where her voice lit up rooms with warmth and flair. She taught Transcendental Meditation practiced yoga daily and infused every pursuit with the same joyful energy. To me her career stands as proof that creativity knows no age limit. She produced over 100 Instagram posts sharing these pieces right alongside family snapshots. Each brushstroke or performance note reflected a woman who turned everyday moments into lasting beauty. Her achievements shine not in blockbuster sales but in the quiet recognition from those who knew her work intimately.
A Family Tapestry Spanning Continents
Nothing defines Connie Van Yserloo more than the family she built and nurtured. I see her relationships as a living mosaic where love crossed oceans and generations. She married William S. Wong a Chinese American restaurateur from Shandong Province China and together they created a home that welcomed eight children. Two of those children passed away before her: Bradley Wong in 2009 and infant daughter Mary Elizabeth Wong in 1967. The surviving six carried her legacy forward in unique ways. Victoria Ann Wong lived in Lafayette Colorado. Stephen Wong and his wife Claudia made their home in Santa Monica California. Gregory Wong known as Greg resided in Torrance California. Declan Wong pursued acting in the Hong Kong film industry from his base in Twizel New Zealand. Russell Wong the actor famous for roles in the Mortal Kombat series settled in Sherman Oaks California and shared a daughter with dancer Eartha Robinson. Michael Wong another Hong Kong film star married supermodel Janet Ma in 1992 and raised three children in Hong Kong.
To clarify the full picture I organized her immediate family connections in this table.
| Relationship | Name | Key Details and Location at Time of Her Passing |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | William S. Wong | Chinese American restaurateur from Shandong Province China predeceased Connie |
| Child | Victoria Ann Wong | Resided in Lafayette Colorado |
| Child | Stephen Wong | Lived in Santa Monica California with wife Claudia |
| Child | Gregory Wong | Based in Torrance California |
| Child | Declan Wong | Actor in Hong Kong films based in Twizel New Zealand |
| Child | Russell Wong | Actor known for Mortal Kombat series in Sherman Oaks California |
| Child | Michael Wong | Hong Kong film actor married Janet Ma since 1992 |
| Child | Bradley Wong | Passed away in 2009 |
| Child | Mary Elizabeth Wong | Infant who passed away in 1967 |
| Sibling | Millicent Mary Millie Van Yserloo Rademacher | 1928 to 2012 had nine children and many grandchildren |
| Sibling | Ronald Ronnie Van Yserloo | Survived Connie lived in Walla Walla Washington with wife Barbara |
| Sibling | Vincent Van Yserloo | Passed away before 2012 |
| Parent | John Van Yserloo | Father predeceased Connie |
| Parent | Catherine Blanchard | Mother predeceased Connie |
Next in this vast circle were her 13 grandkids. Victoria Ann Wong presumably spawned Cara Goman and Gwen Miale Castro. Nicholas, Kiley, Kiriana, Anataia, Emerald, Michaela, and Lily Wong from other branches. Russell Wong and Eartha Robinson have Eja Robinson Wong in 1988. Kayla, Irisa Shannon, and Kadin Miles Wong are Michael and Janet Ma’s children. Henry, Charlie, Makaia, and Olive DuBois were the other five great-grandchildren. Each name has a background. I’m amazed that one woman supported a family from New York to Hong Kong to New Zealand. Visiting grandchildren, eating with sons, and enjoying Japanese dinners with Greg were her Instagram photos. Those dozens of instances throughout the years strengthened relationships stronger than distance.
Milestones That Defined Nine Decades
Dates anchor her remarkable path and I mapped them here for clarity.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1934 | Born September 11 in Saranac Lake New York |
| 1950s to 1960s | Married William S. Wong family settled in Troy New York area children born including Russell in 1963 and Michael in 1965 |
| 1967 | Infant daughter Mary Elizabeth Wong passed away |
| 1970s to 2000s | Raised family while building art and performance career sons Declan Russell and Michael entered Hong Kong film industry |
| 2009 | Son Bradley Wong passed away |
| 2010s to 2023 | Shared artwork cabaret performances at Gardenia Supper Club and family gatherings via 105 Instagram posts paintings displayed at Carter Sexton Art Store |
| 2024 | Passed away November 17 at home in Sherman Oaks California age 90 |
These 90 years hold 13 grandchildren 5 great grandchildren and a creative output that touched hundreds through exhibitions and shows. Her life counted eight children total with six thriving into adulthood. The numbers reveal a woman who balanced personal passion with profound relational depth.
FAQ
What defined Connie Van Yserloo’s early life and heritage?
I always note how her birth on September 11 1934 in Saranac Lake New York set the stage. Dutch American roots blended with French descent gave her a cultural richness that later infused her art and family life. She carried that background like a quiet compass through every decision.
Who formed the core of Connie Van Yserloo’s immediate family?
Her spouse William S. Wong anchored the household as a Chinese American restaurateur. Together they raised eight children though two passed away early. The surviving sons and daughter built careers and homes across the United States New Zealand and Hong Kong creating a truly international network.
How many grandchildren and great grandchildren did Connie Van Yserloo have?
She welcomed 13 grandchildren into her world including Eja Robinson Wong born 1988 Kayla Wong Irisa Shannon Wong and Kadin Miles Wong. Five great grandchildren followed: Henry Theo Charlie Goman Makaia Hooper and Olive DuBois. Each addition expanded the circle she cherished.
What artistic and performance highlights marked her career?
Connie Van Yserloo created oil paintings sculptures installations and decoupage pieces. She performed cabaret at the Gardenia Supper Club taught Transcendental Meditation and practiced yoga. Her work appeared in public displays and she shared more than 100 posts showcasing it all.
How did Connie Van Yserloo maintain family connections over decades?
Through regular gatherings shared meals and social media glimpses she kept everyone close. Visits with grandchildren dinners with sons and warm posts reflected a matriarch who valued presence above all. Her home in Sherman Oaks became a hub for those moments until 2024.
What timeline events highlight her longevity and impact?
From her 1934 birth to the 2024 passing she lived 90 years. Key markers include marriage in the 1950s births of children in the 1960s losses in 1967 and 2009 and a creative surge through the 2010s. The span covers eight children 13 grandchildren and a legacy that continues.
