JOYCE CHAN (NG)

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JOYCE CHAN (nee NG) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Chan, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, suddenly at her home in Winnipeg on November 5, 2007. She will be greatly missed by her husband, Barry, of 60 years, her children, Gail (Roland), Alan (Carmela), Lorraine (Rick), Mel (Rebecca), and Vincent. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren; Anson, Jason, Adrienne, Derek, Jordan, Alexis, Leah and Zoe. Joyce is also survived by her sister Tin Liu Yang. Joyce was born in Taishan, China on June 26, 1928. She met and married Barry in Taishan in 1947. Their first child,Gail, was born in 1949. Following that Barry left to work in Canada and to save money to bring his family over. Events overtook Joyce and Gail as the Chinese civil war threatened their lives forcing them to flee to Hong Kong where they endured great hardship in the ensuing turmoil. After nine years of separation Joyce and Gail were able to join Barry in Canada in 1958 settling in Winnipeg. Her son Alan was born in 1959, Lorraine in 1962, Mel in 1963 and Vincent in 1969. Her early years were filled with the challenges of learning a new language, and settling in a country where everything was unfamiliar and strange. Nonetheless Joyce rose to the challenge, feeding and raising five children. Many times she remarked that her greatest wish was to see her children happy and fulfilled in her newly adopted country. In her later years, she occupied herself visiting her children in different parts of the country reassuring herself her children had indeed successfully settled in Canada. Joyce also worked as a seamstress at several factories in Winnipeg's garment district. She worked in this business for 10 years and took great pride in pointing out to her family the various places she worked at. When Barry started his own restaurant in Fort Richmond, Joyce helped with the hosting and serving duties contributing to the success of the family enterprise. As her family left to start families of their own Joyce became very active in the Winnipeg Chinese Seniors Club. She diligently attended three times a week, organizing social events and trips for the members. Quite often she talked of her various activities in the club; it became a source of joy and accomplishment for her. In the recent past as her Alzheimer's caused her to forget short term events, she continued to try her best to care for her now large and extended family. It was typical that on her last night she was in contact with one of her sons to inquire as to his and his family's well being. Her love of family and her large circle of friends will never be forgotten. Viewing will be on Friday, November 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Thomson In The Park Funeral Home. Services will be held on Saturday, November 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson In The Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Park, 204-925-1120. Thomson In the ParK Funeral Home and Cemetery www.thomsoninthepark.com 925-1120 Life stories may be shared with friends and family across the globe at www.mem.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 15, 2007