It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Yee Mui Eng on July 6, 2024. Born in 1938 in a small village in Zhongshan, China, Mui faced adversity early on, losing her parents during the China-japan war. She was raised by her 3 brothers-who were also just children-Mui learned life’s lessons on the streets, never attending school or learning to read and write. Her teenage years led her to Hong Kong, where she lived with her godmother. At 21, a family friend in Canada facilitated a match with Alan Bung Eng, a vegetable farmer in Victoria, BC. After exchanging letters and photos, she took a leap of faith and moved to a new country for a life with a man she’d never met.
Despite language barriers, her wit, humor, and infectious smile connected her with everyone. She instilled in the kids the importance of education, while embodying work ethic, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. Family was her priority, including her 2 brothers and their families whom she sponsored from China for a better future. The turning point in her life came when she started selling vegetables along the roadside, eventually building a small vegetable stand as sales grew. For 26 years, selling vegetables was her passion-it gave her hope and for the kids a brighter future. At 4′ 8″, she was formidable. Her hobbies included gardening, cooking, and watching pro wrestling. She cheered for heroes like Gene Kiniski and Hulk Hogan, passionately expressing disdain for villains like the Macho Man. An amazing cook, she prepared delicious soups, buns, cakes, and other Chinese delicacies.
She retired from farming in 1999 and moved to Vancouver in 2015 to be closer to family. She adored her grand kids, cherishing moments baking and playing Mahjong with them. Unfortunately, as she aged, her mobility declined. In 2019, she moved to Villa Cathay Care Home. The years since COVID were particularly challenging as she lost mobility and the ability to speak and feed herself.
She is survived by her children: Melanie, Allan, Alvin, and Andre. She also leaves behind granddaughters Amanda and Allyssa, and grandsons Justin and Ayden. Her brothers Kwai Hop Luo and Kuei Chih Lo, and sister-in-law Shih Yen Lo and many nieces and nephews. Mui was predeceased by her husband, Bung Alan Eng, and her older brother, Kwai Sum Luo and sister-in-law Yu Ying Luo.
Special thanks go to all her friends and family who help her along her 86-year journey from China, Hong Kong and ending in Canada. A special shout out to the care staff and nurses at Villa Cathay Care Home for making her stay enjoyable and comfortable, especially those on the 5th floor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to Villa Cathay Care Home (https://villacathay.ca/in-memory-eng/)
Ways to make a donation in memory of Mrs. Eng:
Donate by Cheque
Please make cheque payable to: Villa Cathay Care Home Society
Please write in cheque memo: In memory of Mrs. Yee Mui Eng
and indicate the name and mailing address of the tax receipt recipient.
Our mailing address:
Villa Cathay Care Home
970 Union Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 3V1
Donate via e-transfer to email address: [email protected].
Tax receipt will be issued after donation is received.
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如適合，華宮安老院或會於網站/其他途徑列出善長芳名或機構名稱，以作鳴謝。如善長希望作不留名捐贈，請電郵[email protected]通知我們。