Chow Lai Lam (歐陽林秋麗太夫人) passed away peacefully at 10:30 p.m. on June 9th after battling cancer for just over a year. She was 90 years old. She is survived by her loving husband Yau Hang Au-Yeung, her three children, Stella (Vitus), Susan (Ming), and Simon (Nancy), and three grandchildren, Matthew, Ryan, and Kaitlin.

Chow Lai, most commonly known as “Auntie,” “Pau Pau,” and “MaMa” to most, was born in Shanghai, China on August 10th, 1930. A few years later, the tragedy of the Chinese Civil War led her to move to Hong Kong, where she later got married, and eventually had three children. Her efforts to support her husband, shape a brighter future, and build a home filled with love never faltered. When her family moved to Toronto, she continued to make sure to support her family in their new home. The changing times, countries, and people around never changed the core of who she was. That resilience stayed with her even in her final moments.

She always had a smile on her face, and always wanted to make sure that you were doing well. She always ensured that everyone was fed, no matter if you were family or a stranger. If there was anything she could do to help you, she always found a way to do so, despite your protests against it. She loved the company of others, and welcomed them with open arms to her old house on Araman Drive or her condominium. Whether it was Christmas or a weekend, her door was always open. She was a strong-minded, intellectual individual who could speak her mind without being insensitive. She will be forever loved and missed by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Chow Lai Lam be directed to the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre by visiting this link: https://donate.sunnybrook.ca/tribute. Under “donation amount” select the amount you desire to donate, and then select “Odette Cancer Centre” in the “designation” section. Under “tribute information,” select “in memory of,” and put the first name as “Chow Lai” and the last name as “Lam.” This will help ensure the family will be able to build a tribute around her name.

Due to covid restrictions in Ontario, the family will be directly messaging individuals regarding funeral visitations. If you have any questions, please contact the family directly.