Obituary of Mrs. Yuk Ping "Allana" Lee 李趙玉娉夫人
It is with heartfelt sadness that we share with you, that our beloved Mrs. Yuk Ping “Allana” Lee (nee Chiu) passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family at home on Friday, October 29, 2021. “Ah-Yuk” (as her family fondly called her) quietly fought a courageous battle with colon cancer after being diagnosed just four short weeks ago.
Born on February 9, 1941 in Xinhui, Guangdong to the late parents: Bing Chou Chiu and Sheung Sitt, Ah-Yuk will be deeply missed by her devoted husband of over 52 years: Kwan Sum “Peter” Lee and her cherished daughters May & Yuet Lee, son Paul Lee, and adored-by grandsons Spencer & Devin Lee Khan. Ah-Yuk is also survived by her dear brother Michael Hong, and sisters May Chiu & Kelly Young.
Young Ah-Yuk learned quickly to persevere during difficult times together with her immediate, extended family and close friends. Our gentle and soulful beauty journeyed to Victoria, BC with her mother and sisters in 1959 in pursuit of the immigrant’s dream – a greater opportunity. Moving to Vancouver several months later, our talented Ah-Yuk put her sewing skills to work and earned her Canadian Citizenship in 1964. After a return trip to Hong Kong in 1968, she met and married “Ah-Sum” (Kwan Sum “Peter”) and fulfilled her dream of becoming a mother. “Ah-Ma Ah-Yuk” (mother Yuk Ping) enjoyed family life in Kowloon, chasing after three small, energetic children. She cooked the most savoury traditional soups and stews for dinner, like her famous “gai tong” (chicken soup) and “mun gnow nahm” (beef brisket). Ah-Yuk took pride in her children’s milestones while taking breaks to laugh and “smash mah jong tiles” with her best friends: “The Fab Five”.
In the winter of 1978, on a slushy, snow-filled day, Allana thoughtfully returned to Toronto, Canada with Peter and her young family. There they happily re-united with her larger family of siblings, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. She worked as a seamstress for 28 years at Dominion Regalia Ltd. A well-respected employee and colleague, she learned to be a skilled embroiderer in her final years there, retiring at the age of 68.
As a working mother, Allana was determined to spoil her children, creating delicious homemade meals and sewing gorgeous prom dresses (after the kids had gone to bed). She was a warm, caring and nurturing person. With a touch of her hand, she healed cold bugs and soothed hurt feelings, imparting valuable life lessons with a gentle tone. Ah-Ma rarely got angry.
In her retirement, Allana was not only Spencer and Devin’s amazing grandmother but also the neighbourhood’s “cute Poh Poh” (Grandma). She enjoyed watching TV food shows and sports, especially tennis. With Peter, watching tennis matches was known as “their” time. A generous, active soul, she enjoyed daily walks to the grocery store, chatting softly with everyone she met—particularly those in need of encouragement. Allana’s greatest and most humble talent was indeed her natural ability to connect with people and help them, in spite of her modest means.
Our family would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Sandra Anne Marcus, RN Tiffany, the rest of the Saint Elizabeth and Home Care Health Care teams, for your care and compassion in helping us honour Mom’s wish to be at home, during her final days of her journey, here on earth.
Ah-Ma…ho doh-jeh (thank you so much). We love you. You will always be our first “All-Star” pick, our MVP, the center of our universe. Even now, you remind us to always look forward…eyes to the skies.
Graceful and gracious Ah-Yuk Allana, may you rest in eternal peace.
In lieu of flowers, we respectfully ask that you consider making a private donation in her honour to:
The Canadian Cancer Society or The Hospital for Sick Children. Thank you kindly.
