It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mei Har Ng (née Lee), who passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 5th, 2021. Born in Taishan, Guangdong, China (1939), she immigrated to Canada in 1958. In Toronto, she married Kau Tang (Don) Ng and together they built a beautiful family centered on their four daughters, Frances, Shirley, Peggy and Susan, and a successful family-run business.

Mei Har, widely known as May Ng, and her husband Don founded the popular Chinese Canadian restaurant, Hoo Wah Garden Restaurant & Tavern in North York. Known for delicious food and generous portions, the restaurant was a community icon for more than 45 years. With her entrepreneurial spirit, innovative culinary skills and strong work ethic, May was the heart of Hoo Wah, helping lead to its great success. Her engaging personality and ability to keep pace with the changing palates in Asian cuisine, allowed May to attract and retain loyal patrons throughout the restaurant’s decades in business. Hoo Wah served generations of families and is remembered as a cherished establishment.

May was the creative force in the restaurant. Known for her personal fashion sense, she had an eye for aesthetics which she channeled into the restaurant and her home life. She felt great joy being involved in community initiatives that were aimed at supporting local Chinese families and seniors. With their passion for philanthropy, May and her husband Don funded the construction of a large school in the family village of San Pan Lai, Guangdong Province, China. After retiring in 2007, May enjoyed travelling the world, trying different cuisines, and hosting large celebrations. She will always be remembered for her dedication and generosity to her ever-growing family.

May is survived by four daughters and eight grandchildren; Frances Ng-Wong (Colin Wong) and children Justin and Melanie; Shirley Ng-Chow (Doug Chow) and children Kevin, Matthew, Christopher and Brittany; Peggy Ng (Ernest Pereira); Susan Ng (Andrew Maidment) and children Tristan and Portia. May is also survived by siblings, Rong Xin Li (Xiu Hui Li), Rong Bo Li (Li Chang Wu) and Mei Juan Li, and a large extended family. May is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Kau Tang Ng, her mother Men Zhen Cai and her father Lo Shi Lee. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.

A private funeral service will be held at 10am on January 16th, with interment at York Cemetery and Funeral Centre to follow. The family invites those who wish to view the service to do so via live-stream.