In memory of

陳王守勤太夫人 Su Guen Chen

September 2, 1933 -  March 12, 2022

SU GUEN CHEN (nee WONG) (1931 – 2022)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Su Guen Chen at the Mon Sheong Richmond Hill Long Term Care on March 12, 2022. She was our anchor and will be forever missed by three generations of her close knit family. Family has always been the focus for our mother and she leaves us with many happy memories, stories and laughter.
Su Guen is finally reunited with her cherished husband of over 60 years, Shi Lie (deceased 2019). They were true partners and shared in the ups and downs of a busy and fulfilling life. Left to mourn her passing are her children Doris (Sam Shum), Edith (Gary Wong), and Wilson (Margaret Nakamura). She will be deeply missed by her much loved grandchildren Lauren (George), Jeff (Amanda), Justin, Kevin, Anne and Sean. She was a proud great grandmother to Elliott, Oliver and Levi.
Our mother was born in Yantai, Shandong Province, China. Her happy childhood was upended by war and revolution as they fled to Hong Kong when she was a teenager. There, she met Shi Lie and found a life-long soulmate. They complemented each other in every way. While our dad was more laid back and thoughtful, our mom was the driving force of the family, making connections and taking risks. In 1971, Su Guen and Shi Lie once again uprooted everything to move to Canada, seeking greater opportunities for their children. Through years of hard work, they established a successful import business and a number of gift shops. More importantly, they found lasting friendships and enjoyed their growing family.
Mom and Dad retired in 1992 and embarked on a wonderful decade of carefree travel, social engagements and active volunteering. Our parents and their circle of friends travelled far and wide, seeing most of North America and all corners of the world. They loved cruises and looked forward to planning their next adventure. Great memories of family dinners, holidays and special celebrations will never be forgotten.
Su Guen suffered a tremendous setback 20 years ago when she was involved in a serious car accident. Through sheer determination and force of will she regained much of her mobility and dexterity. Although she struggled physically, she countered with a quiet determination and a sharp mind. With her family and friends around her, she never lost her zest for life.
Our deep thanks and gratitude to the incredibly kind nurses and staff at Mon Sheong Long Term Care in Richmond Hill. A private family funeral will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mon Sheong Foundation (Richmond Hill Long Term Care) would be appreciated. https://www.monsheong.org/

Guestbook 

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Lichun Ma and Robert Chi Yu (Friend)

Entered March 15, 2022 from Michigan

Edith, Gary, Justin and Kevin,

Our condolences to you on the passing of your mother and grandmother. As her obituary stated, she had a great life surrounded by a large family and friends. Take care and we hope to see you all soon!

Ayman and Amy Matta (Friend)

Entered March 15, 2022 from Markham

Dear Wilson, Doris and Edith,
Please accept our sincerest condolences for the passing of your mother. It sounds like she lived a very full life. More importantly, it was one filled with the love of family and now she is reunited with her partner of so many years.

God bless
Ayman and Amy

Alice and Paul Sun (Friends)

Entered March 16, 2022 from Dresher, PA

Dear Edith and Family, we are so sorry to hear the passing of your mom. Please let us know if there are anything we can help you with. She is in a happy place next to your dad. Love and big hugs to you. Alice and Paul

Elizabeth Grieco (Friend of Edith)

Entered March 16, 2022 from CT

Our sincerest heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Chen family.

Lee Family (Friend)

Entered March 16, 2022 from Greenwich, CT

Dear Wilson, Doris and Edith,

We are so sorry to hear the passing of your mom. We are blessed to have met your parents in their lifetimes and we hope that they are together in heaven. Thinking about you all.

Love,
Leslie, Eric, & Doug <3

Life Stories 

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Edith Chen (Daughter #2)

Entered March 15, 2022 from Cos Cob, CT

Mom had a no nonsense style with her kids. She believed you're never too young to learn anything or do anything. Once she realized that we were emigrating to Canada, she registered Doris in Mandarin and English classes at the local adult night school. She was 9. She would go to evening classes to learn Mandarin with middle aged adults. Once in Canada and running her gift/souvenir store in Union Station (Toronto), she would sneak Doris (14) and I (12) into the Gifting Trade Shows (you had to be 16 to enter), to help her negotiate with suppliers. I learned how to negotiate minimum order quantities, FOB and payment terms at those shows has which served me well in my career. She also started investing in residential condominium real estate; buying, renting and selling them for profit. By the time I was 18, she had convinced me to get my real estate license so she would not need to pay others to buy and sell her properties. She had a natural business savvy and was fearless in trying something new. No question that she inspired a sense of confidence in all of us.

Photos 

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