Wong, Lilian (nee LEE) passed peacefully on January 5, 2018 at home, surrounded by her family. Loving wife to Russell for over 52 years, beloved mother of Jacqui (Kris), Russell (Monica) and Trevor (Sue). Proud grandmother of Russell III, Brianna, Hayden, Bryce, Keira and Adam. Sister to George (Helen), Millie (Gene), Dave (Grace), Kathy (Terry) and Pat (Tom).

She was predeceased by her parents James and Ella, brothers Eddie (Nellie), Albert (Janet) and Wilf/Tubby (Rosa). If you’re counting, she had 8 brothers and sisters – we know, that’s a lot, but was the perfect size to run their Chinese family restaurant. Born in Gananoque on August 8, 1938, she worked at the James Café and then moved to Toronto after they sold the restaurant.

While in Toronto, she met a dashingly handsome bad boy at various Chinese Canadian Association social events. While bowling, skiing, dancing and attending parties, they courted, eventually marrying in February 1965.
Once the children were born she became a both a full-time mother and worked as the better half of the husband and wife duo of West Rouge Cycle and Sports. The local sporting goods store operated for over 30 years until Dad crashed in a plane he was flying, but that’s another story…

Lil loved to travel the world, experience new adventures (e.g. singing drinking songs in beer halls in Germany, sleeping in Tibetan yurts, trekking through Nepal, riding an elephant in Thailand) and meet as many people as she could. A particularly special trip was when she visited China with her sisters. She was passionate about practicing and teaching Qigong and helping others through her eastern medicine practices. This also allowed her the opportunity to assist Dr. Effie Chow with clients in Newfoundland, Washington DC, Germany and Romania.

In lieu of flowers, please take the time to hug your mother (a real hug, not one of those man hugs) and say you love her; call your father to accept his invite to watch Korean sitcoms; strike up a conversation with a stranger or bring a cheese plate over to your sister – mmm… gouda.

You can also donate to Wellspring Cancer Support Network (for whom she taught Qigong), Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or Parkinson’s Canada.