HANG FUN LAU

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HANG FUN LAU

(nee CHAN)

1920 - 2023

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mrs. Hang Fun Lau share the news of her peaceful passing with her family by her side, at the age of 103. She was christened with the name Maria and lived as a devout Roman Catholic. To many in her community, she was Mrs. Lau and to many more, she was simply grandma or Po Po. She was loved by many and was everyone’s Po Po. Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was predeceased by her husband, Tat, an infant daughter, son Anthony, daughters Catherine Wong and Anna Tsang and great-grandson Roy Senkiw. She is survived by her devoted daughters Anita Lee (Hon. Philip Lee), Pauline Leung (David Leung) and son-in-law Dr. Chin Fai Tsang, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Margaret Lee Grant (Dr. Alan Grant; son Philip), Mabel Lee (Brent Beekenkamp; son Brandon), Renée Tsang (daughter Caelyn; son Everett), Malinda Lee (Bradley Senkiw), Kevin Leung (Lily Wong; son Isaac; daughter Sarah), Geneva Haukeness (Jason Haukeness; sons Elias and Linden), Cynthia Johnson (Zach Johnson; daughters Evelyn and Eileen; son Andrew), Wesley Tsang (Tara Tsang), Roger Tsang and Quintin Tsang.

As the eldest child and proud daughter to Canton province’s Postmaster General Chan Yin Tong, she was the apple of her father’s eye. She was born into relative privilege, but she remained humble as the world went through many uncertainties, including World War II, civil wars and pandemics in Southern China. The family eventually settled in Hong Kong and at the age of 18, she met the love her life, handsome husband Tat. They enjoyed chaperoning his young cousins and attending football games together in Hong Kong.

When Tat suddenly passed, Mrs. Lau, as a young widow was left to raise her five children (aged 1 to 9) on her own. The family relied on her stoicism and strength to move forward. She decided to start her own business, a slipper store on Kowloon, Hong Kong’s famed Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui (shopping and nightlife district), which she built into a successful venture. Times were not always easy, but she worked hard and made many sacrifices to offer the best opportunities for her family to thrive. After the sudden passing of son Anthony, Mrs. Lau retired in 1973 and decided to start a new life with her daughters in Canada. Before she left Hong Kong, she generously gifted her business to her loyal staff.

Upon arriving in Canada, she became a full-time Po Po to her first two granddaughters, whom she finally had the chance to meet. After her daughters married, she became Po Po to 17 grandchildren (including spouses) and eventually became Tai Po to 12 great-grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family in Winnipeg, Regina and Ottawa.

She will forever be remembered as the kindest, sweetest, independent, most generous and humorous Po Po, who charmed everyone she encountered. Her funny lines, long stories and love for all will be cherished and passed along for generations to come. Her entire family is grateful for her unconditional love, strength and longevity. We would like to give special thanks to the many friends and extended family who adopted her as their Po Po. She gave so much herself to help others, and later the help was reciprocated as she grew older. We must also thank the very caring staff and friends at Sek-on-Toi, Brightwater Linden Pointe and Dr. Pannu and the staff at Grace Hospital. Thank you to her primary physicians over the years, the late Dr. Charles Lam, Dr. Russell Albak and Dr. Tse li Luk. We would be remiss if we did not thank the many physicians and medical friends who assisted her when she needed them most. The family would like to thank Father Mark Filips, chaplain at St. Paul’s College, for giving final blessings before she crossed.

To respect our matriarch’s wishes, a small and private family memorial and mass will take place. She will be laid to rest next to her daughter Catherine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Hospital Foundation in memory of Mrs. Hang Fun Lau or to other causes close to Mrs. Lau’s heart: late great-grandson’s Roy Robert Lee Senkiw Fund endowed at the Winnipeg Foundation or the St. Paul’s College Foundation’s P. Lee and Family Scholarship.

Bardal Funeral Home

843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2023