It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Hao Dara after a brief illness.

Born in Vientiane, Laos, Hao had a great zest for life. As a hairdresser and salon owner she loved enhancing the beauty of others and enjoyed playing with hair and make-up. She married Trong Soun in 1969 after a brief courtship. Together Hao and Trong Soun had two boys Kevin Lith and one who passed as a baby. With the Civil War, the family escaped across the Mekong River and lived in a refugee camp in Thailand for 2 years before emigrating to Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1979.

Hao worked in housekeeping with Polycon in Guelph, Ontario commuting home to Toronto on weekends where she loved shopping in Chinatown, cooking up a storm for her family and friends, going to worship at the temple, and gathering with her community. Known as "mama" to her coworkers Hao was always happy to introduce Laotian food in any get-togethers and celebrations.

Surrounded by her family Hao passed quietly on May 31 2024. She leaves behind her loving family: husband Trong Soun, son Kevin, daughter in law Celina, three grandsons Jonathan, Ethan, and Jason, nephew Thongbay, nephew's wife Sio Ing, grandnephews Kevin and Edison, and niece Piyarat (Aon).

With grateful thanks to all of the staff of 5ES and Critical Care at the North York General Hospital for their care, kindness and compassion.