In memory of
Gwynne Cheung (née Shum)
September 28, 1947 -
February 25, 2025
The Shum family announces with profound sadness the sudden passing of Gwynne Chuk Kwan Shum on February 25, 2025, at Toronto Western Hospital.
Born in China and raised in Hong Kong, Gwynne was a lifelong learner and a dedicated contributor to society. She began her career as a school teacher in Hong Kong before immigrating to Canada in 1974. She earned a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Western Ontario in 1976. Gwynne pursued a diverse and impactful career in healthcare and public service. Her professional journey included roles as a research assistant at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, a probation officer in Sarnia, and a research specialist for the City of London. In 1987, she produced a comprehensive study for Lambton County providing analyses and recommendations for the district's emergency health services. In 1990, she joined the City of Toronto as a policy development analyst in the Shelter, Housing, and Homelessness departments, where she served with dedication until her retirement in 2013.
Gwynne’s life was defined by her commitment to serving others and advocating for a more just and equitable world. She was deeply passionate about supporting underprivileged and minority communities. In the small Chinese communities of Sarnia and London, she played a pivotal role in assisting fellow immigrants and promoting Chinese culture. Later in life, she found solace and purpose in her Christian faith, becoming an active and cherished member of her church community, where she volunteered her time in assisting new immigrants with settlement in Canada.
In her personal life, Gwynne was equally devoted to her loving family, providing unending care and support to her two daughters, late parents and many siblings. She had a passion for arts, culture, and history, and keeping tabs on the latest in Canadian politics.
Gwynne’s kindness, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to making a difference will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of service, compassion, and faith will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
She will be forever remembered and deeply missed.
Visitation will be held at York Funeral Centre, 160 Beecroft Road, North York, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memoriam may be made to Habitat for Humanity GTA.
