We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear and beloved mother, Eleanor Tam.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta on June 26, 1940, to Louis and Rose Gee, Eleanor was the second eldest of seven children and the eldest sister in her family. She attended the University of Alberta, where she earned her law degree and distinguished herself as the first Chinese graduate of its Faculty of Law. She later moved to Toronto, Ontario with her husband, Michael Tam, and began her career at Crown Life Insurance Company, where she formed close and enduring friendships that lasted well beyond her time there.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Eleanor played an important role in the support and administration of her family’s medical clinics. She especially enjoyed interacting with patients, who in turn were drawn to her warmth, kindness, and easy conversation.
Eleanor was the proud mother of four children—Larissa, Jennifer, Jason, and Garner—and a devoted grandmother to nine cherished grandchildren. The unconditional love and steadfast care she gave her family were constant and immeasurable. Whether taking her children to soccer games, music lessons, symphony performances, or treasured days at the ballpark with friends, her energy and dedication to creating a rich and meaningful life never wavered. She took great joy in sharing her love with her grandchildren, nurturing each of them with the same warmth and devotion that defined her life. Together, they spent happy hours at the cottage, enjoyed dinners out, movie and mahjong nights in, and shared spirited conversations around the kitchen table that often lasted late into the evening.
When she made time for herself, Eleanor enjoyed attending fitness classes, classical music performances, and theatre productions, and she never missed a year of the Toronto International Film Festival. She also deeply cherished time spent with her close circle of friends, laughing wholeheartedly and sharing stories that will live on in memory.
In her final years, she was surrounded by her devoted family, with whom she shared a profound and abiding bond. We will forever treasure every memory of her—especially her laughter, her strength, and her enduring love of life. The love we hold for her is immeasurable and everlasting.
Mommy, Ah-Ma, Po-Po — always loved, never forgotten, forever missed.
We welcome all who wish to join us in celebrating her life at York Cemetery Funeral Centre on March 1st. Service details and timing are provided below.
For those who would like to make a donation in her memory, please see the link below.
Thank you.