On November 28, 2024, Lin Yau Kwan passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Born in China, Lin Yau emigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in 1969 with her husband, Wo Sun, and their five children: Margaret, Winnie, Howard, Anna, and William. The family established their loving home in the Leslieville neighborhood of Toronto, at the intersection of Pape and Dundas near East Chinatown.
The Pape house was a central hub of memories. It was a permanent fixture for the big moments
- birthdays, holiday gatherings, and simple get-togethers. But it also housed many of the little moments, ones you don't realize to appreciate until they're gone. Moments like fussing to sit still for a family photo, the waft of fresh dumplings filling the air, the warmth of a mother's genuine smile.
Despite her stubbornness and tough exterior, Lin Yau was a woman who loved very deeply and was endlessly devoted to taking care of her family and friends. Lin Yau's renowned cooking was her way of expressing love, care, generosity, and dedication to her family and friends. We can't even count the number of times we've savoured her many famous dishes, including stuffed fish, tong yuen, lotus leaf sticky rice, and homemade dumplings.
Throughout the years, Lin Yau, along with her husband, was an active member of the Lung Kong Tin Yee Association, contributing to the building of a tightly knit cross-family community that spanned the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. She served as the Women's Association President for many years over several terms of leadership and played an active role in the seasonal banquets that brought together hundreds of family members over the years.
Lin Yau was a loving wife, caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with a beautiful and generous soul. And throughout 79 years of marriage and 53 years living in that house, Lin Yau raised her children and grandchildren into independent and thoughtful adults. She had the sort of smile that could light up any room she entered. She enjoyed cooking, tending to her garden, spending time with family, and playing mahjong with her many friends.
Her legacy and values are carried on by her beloved husband, Wo Sun; her children, Margaret and husband Jack, Winnie and husband John, Howard and wife Eileen, Anna and husband Arthur, and William and wife Shirley; her grandchildren, Debbie and husband Wing, Raymond and wife Grace, Andrew and wife Jennifer, Daniel, Jamie, Madison, and Melissa; and her great-grandchildren, Connor and Emily. Lin Yau leaves an unfillable void in our lives, but she will live in our hearts forever.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Pine Hills Cemetery & Funeral Centre, located at 625 Birchmount Road, Toronto, ON, Canada, M1K 1R1, with the funeral service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, and interment at 1:15 PM.