LUCY TAN (YEH)

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LUCY TAN (nee YEH) Suddenly, on December 14, 2000, at the Health Sciences Centre. She was predeceased by her husband, Yao Yeng in 1977. Lucy will be dearly missed by her daughter Rose Marie; sons, Philip and Tim; sisters, Nancy and Rose (Dick) Lim; niece Jeanette (Kent) Lim; nephews, Brian and Richard Lim and her many other relatives and friends. Lucys parents, Ko Chang Yeh and Kwei Cheng, immigrated from China to Manila, Philippines, where she was born. After graduating high school, she taught elementary school while pursing a commerce degree from Philippine Normal School. After graduating as class valedictorian, she worked for the Philippine Bank of Communications, then the Philippine Chinese Board of Education. During the early part of the Second World War, she was the main breadwinner, supporting her parents and two sisters. After the war, she was employed by Yutivo Investment Corporation until she immigrated to Canada. Lucy met her husband in the Philippines and went to China for her wedding among her extended family. Returning to the Philippines, she started her own family. With her husband frequently away on business, she successfully filled the role of both parents to her three children. In 1970, she and her best friend, Dr. Kai Hong Po, were baptized by Rev. Cheng Kor at Grace Gospel Church, Manila. Seeking a better life for her family, Lucy moved them, with the sponsorship of her sister Rose to Winnipeg, Man., in 1974. Rose and her husband, Dick, welcomed Lucy and her family as she started her new life in Canada. It wasnt easy. Enduring culture shock and the harsh Manitoba winters. Lucy juggled two fulltime jobs: homemaker and accountant, first at Parrish and Heimbecker, then UGG, and then Ten Ten Sinclair. But with the love and support of her sisters family and her own, she adjusted and flourished. Before too long, she found lifelong friends at Bethesda Church, where she became an active member and participated in the J.O.Y. Group. She also volunteered at the Manitoba Academy of Chinese Studies. As well, she found great satisfaction chronicling the lives of early Chinese immigrants to Manitoba for the Manitoba Chinese Historical Society. Perhaps she saw in them the same qualities that she herself had: a strong sense of self and a willingness to persevere through tough times. Lucys enduring legacy will be the same qualities she worked all her life to instill in her children: a love of learning, compassion and putting others ahead of herself, and above all, to be a good Christian. Lucys family would like to thank Dr. Dick Lim of Manitoba Clinic; Dr. Gerald Minuk and the staff of the HSC Liver Diseases Department; all the staff of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit; staff of the Youville Centre; Roanne Worsley and staff of VON; Glen and Daisy Pierce especially and all her other friends who gave meals, cards, prayers and help in any way during her illness. A family viewing will take place on Tuesday, December 19. A family interment will take place on Wednesday, December 20, followed by a celebration of her life among family and friends at Bethesda Church at 1350 Grant Avenue on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., Revs. William Ehlers and Francis Tung officiating. Reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation (care of Dr. Gerald Minuk, Liver Research Unit), the Gideons International of Canada, or Focus on the Family (Canada) Association, P.O. Box 9800 Stn. Terminal, Vancouver, B.C., V6B 4G3. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements, 775-2220.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 18, 2000