In memory of

Bonnie Chow

March 3, 1934 -  October 27, 2020

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Bonnie Chow, who died peacefully at Trillium Hospital in Mississauga, Ontario on October 27, 2020.

Born in Taishan, Guangdong Province, China (1934), she immigrated to Canada in 1954. Living first in Toronto, she married Danny Chow and born two sons, David and Doug. In 1963, the Chow family moved and established roots in the town of Gananoque, Ontario and later had their third child, Diane. Bonnie and Danny raised their family and became well-known in the local, close-knit community.

Known for her warm and friendly personality, she greeted and served the morning and lunch hour crowds at Modern Café, a popular Chinese Canadian restaurant in Gananoque, Ontario established by her father Fay Lee in 1935. With her strong work ethic and ability to attract loyal customers, Bonnie was the heart of the restaurant and contributed significantly to the success of the business. More fondly known as “The Modern”, the Gananoque staple served generations of families for more than 60 years and is remembered as a cherished establishment.

After retiring in 1999, Bonnie moved to Mississauga, Ontario to be closer to her children and their families. With a passion for gardening, together with her husband, she grew an impressive variety of vegetables and fruits in their backyard which she generously shared with her friends and family. She also enjoyed watching Chinese language TV shows, cooking for her growing family and venturing out to explore new places. Bonnie strongly believed in the value of education and took pride and enjoyment in her families’ academic and professional achievements. She was exceptionally family-oriented and loved big family dinners, weddings and special occasions.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 64 years, Danny Chow, three children and 11 grandchildren; David Chow (Teresa Lem Chow) and children Stephanie, Michael, Ryan and Samantha; Doug Chow (Shirley Ng-Chow) and children Kevin, Matthew, Christopher and Brittany; Diane Chow (David Chow) and children Brandon, Sean and Andrew; her brother Don Lee and sister Jenny Lim. Bonnie is predeceased by her mother S. Ting Lee, father Fay Lee, and sister Siu Kuen Lau. Bonnie will be deeply missed and affectionately remembered by her family and friends.

Guestbook 

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Tom Lawler (Friend)

Entered October 30, 2020 from Gananoque

Condolences to Danny and Family. Bonnie was so very kind to my family through the years at the Modern Cafe.

Chris Gibbins (Customer, Friend and Neighbor)

Entered October 30, 2020 from Lansdowne

Rest in Peace, Bonnie.

Hollie Nichol-Carne (Resident of the first booth to the right!)

Entered October 30, 2020 from Gananoque

Oh how I miss the days on lunch break! The French fries and gravy or the mouth watering buns! Cherry cokes! My friends and I spent our youth to teenagers with you and your family. This saddens us to hear of Bonnies passing! Much love to Danny and family! Your hospitality along with your caring kind calming souls will forever be in ours! Thank you Bonnie I will always miss seeing you come up the aisle with the best French fries I’ve ever known! Our Thoughts are with you Danny and family!

Sandra Wright (new Clare) (Family friend and patron)

Entered October 30, 2020 from Gananoque

I am so sorry for your loss of this wonderful woman. I cherish many warm memories of the Modern Restaurant in Gananoque. And of course of Bonnie, her husband Danny and other family members. They were a part of the community for so many years and left a void when they left. If my parents were still alive (Grover and Joyce Clare), they would want to share their warm memories of Bonnie and her family as well. Thank you Bonnie for the sharing a part of your life with us in our little community. All the best to the family. ❤️

Sharon Moore nee Heaslip (Patron of the Modern for all of my childhood.)

Entered October 30, 2020 from Gananoque

Fond memories of Faye Lee, Danny Chow, Fred Humm. and Bonnie. Bonnie for her homemade buns and cherry cokes at lunchtime from highschool.

Photos 

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