It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Jean Choy-Yuk Lo (née Wong). Jean passed away peacefully at North York General Hospital, surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous journey with stroke-related illness. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and a woman of deep Catholic faith.

Jean is lovingly remembered by her husband, Philip; her children, Karen and Kevin; her sister, Carol Edwards (and the late Greg Edwards); and her brother, Bill Wong. She was predeceased by her brother, Ed Wong; her father, Jung Lee Wong; and her mother, Kim Gee Wong.

Born on October 16, 1955, in Toronto, Ontario, Jean grew up alongside her siblings, cherishing the simple joys of childhood—playing, ice skating, and creating memories that stayed with her throughout her life. As children, they helped at their parents’ bakery in Chinatown, where she learned the value of hard work and the importance of family from a young age.

Jean was a woman of remarkable energy, creativity, and resilience. A gifted and artistic spirit, she worked as a fashion designer and brought creativity into every aspect of her life. She was known for her strength and determination, facing life’s challenges with courage and grace, as well as for her kindness toward others.

Jean met her husband, Philip, while they were both students at Ryerson University and active members of the Chinese Students’ Association. She graduated from the fashion design program in 1976, and they were married in 1978 at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish. They were blessed with two children, Karen in 1983 and Kevin in 1985. While Philip was Catholic at the time and Jean was not, a deeply meaningful chapter in their family’s faith journey came at the Easter Vigil in 1994, when Jean, along with Karen and Kevin, was received into the Catholic Church at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish.

A woman of enduring faith, Jean remained devoted to her beliefs throughout her life. She was strong-willed, full of life, and a fighter until the very end.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude for the love, care, and support shown over the past 11 years, as Jean lived with the effects of two strokes. We wish to especially thank the many nurses, doctors, personal support workers, and therapists who cared for Jean with compassion and dedication. Your kindness meant more than words can express.

Jean will be deeply missed and forever loved by all who knew her. Her faith, strength, creativity, and love will remain in our hearts always.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.