In memory of

Mow Dan "Donna" Chau

July 10, 1932 -  September 9, 2025

It is with deep love and gratitude that we celebrate the life of Mow Dan “Donna” Chau who passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, at the age of 93 years.

Donna was the devoted wife of the late Hong Ning “Jim” Chau. Predeceased by her eldest daughter, Deepwan (Jim), her two sisters, Yin Wong (Wing) and Mow Hai Tse (late Nune Chun). She leaves behind her dear brother Lim Woon Szeto (Hermia).

Donna was the matriarch of our family. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her children Haywan (Gord), Kim (Lily), Mewan (Neil), and George (Paula). Doting grandmother to Will (Maria), Rob (Clarisse), Justin (Charmaine), Matt, Jeffrey (Peiling), Haley, Melissa, and Connor. She was blessed with 8 great grandchildren: Arizona, Phoenix, Dakota, Devan, Marcus, Arabella, Jace and Brady.

Her many nieces and nephews, here in Toronto and in Boston, were much loved by her.

Donna was born in China and lived a life defined by resilience, love and an unwavering devotion to family. She arrived in Canada in 1953 to join her husband, Jim. Together they worked in a café in a railway town near Sudbury. They moved to Toronto in 1959, opened and operated Silver Dragon Restaurant in Scarborough for 46 years.

When she wasn’t working at the restaurant, she loved to travel to Florida with dear friends and took many cruises throughout the years.

Being a grandmother and great-grandmother was the greatest joy for her. She beamed with pride as her family grew with the most recent great-grandchild, Brady, born earlier this year.

Friends and family who knew Donna will remember her warm smile, strength, loyalty and boundless generosity. She will be greatly missed by all.

Guestbook 

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Don Haring (Family friend)

Entered September 11, 2025 from Scarborough

I loved your mom as my own and am very grateful for all she did for me as well as the whole family through some difficult times, I will never forget her.

Dirk DeSouza (Friend of her son George.)

Entered September 11, 2025 from Toronto, Ontario

Wow!!!! 93 Wonderful years that your family and friends will have lasting memories for their lifetimes. George i offer my condolences to you and your family, but I’m sure you have so many wonderful memories of mum that will brings smiles to all your hearts. Unfortunately this is the cycle of life, but she is in a better place now, not suffering and looking down at her family and ready to offer them guidance and hope.

Peer & Kandis Jensen (Friends)

Entered September 11, 2025 from Brooklin, On

Mrs. Chau has been a part of our lives since we
were young. She had a beautiful family with her
husband & all them worked very hard together
to run their business called the Silver Dragon!
When we were growing up and when we had our own family years later, the restaurant was always a part of our lives. As time went by we were lucky enough to
become friends of the family & cherish that to this day! We were honored to know her!

Kathy Feeley (Sister in law to Haywan)

Entered September 12, 2025 from Basalt

Donna always greeted us with a warm smile. She was always kind and loving to us all. Our late mother Sabina and Donna were friends.

Francie and Garth Johnston (Family Friends)

Entered September 12, 2025 from Sparta, Ontario

Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Chau family on the loss of your incredible mom. Her stoic life journey is courageous, fascinating, and admirable. I will always remember feeling safe and secure as a child and youth when in her care. Her back was always very straight both literally and proverbially - she was a role-model, pillar and protector. May you all find peace in knowing the positive and soulful impact your mom and dad had on so many of us in our community. Rest well dear Mrs. Chau.

Photos 

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