Harriet Siu Ngar Szeto

Born in Canton on March 11, 1930, to Wu Sau Man and Wong Wai Ching (both deceased), Harriet was the younger sister to brother Wu Ting Chun (deceased). Harriet was raised and educated in British Hong Kong. She grew up with a fighting spirit of resilience during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, when she and her family fled to Guangzhou, China, where she continued her education.

On return to Hong Kong when World War II ended, Harriet continued her education at Belilios Public School and Northcote College of Education, after which she embarked on a lifelong dedicated service in teaching at Sacred Heart Canossian College (SHCC). Outside of teaching, she was enthusiastically engaged in leading extracurricular activities. Harriet was a guider of the Girl Guides Association, leading the girl guides at SHCC, and was presented to Princess Alexandra in 1961 as one of Hong Kong’s outstanding youth leaders.

Harriet and her husband Ming immigrated to Canada on their retirement in Hong Kong, and has since made Canada their home.

Harriet was an adept swimmer in her youth, often swimming from bay to bay along the southern shores of the Hong Kong island, with her husband and their friends. She enjoyed singing with her daughters, often gathering around the piano after supper and especially during Christmas time. She enjoyed ballroom dancing with her husband at home after the children had gone to bed.

She created lots of warm memories for her children with her bedtime stories, fresh cream cakes, handmade outfits, well-attended birthday and Christmas parties, trips to the beach, hand-knitted sweaters for her children’s stuffed animals and dolls, and “operations” on her children’s beloved dolls. She was a most considerate and loving mother.

Harriet was blessed with memorable happy days from her youth. She joined the many Christian activities organized by the YMCA YWCA where she met her husband and many lifelong friends.

Her life was blessed with loyal friends Dr. Betty Iu, Helena Ho (deceased), Winnie Chan, Cecilia Law, Chan Yu Lai Ching of more than 70 years, and, supportive colleagues in her 30+ years of teaching career; students she taught and mentored throughout her teaching career brought her much joy and pride, reminiscing even into her retirement years.

Harriet will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her family, friends, relatives, colleagues and students, having been richly blessed by her graciousness, kindness, gentleness, politeness, dedication to family and teaching, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion to the blessed life she was given.

Harriet is survived by her loving and dedicated husband Szeto Ming of 73 years, 4 daughters and 2 sons-in-law: Christine 端寶, Elaine 異寶, Joanne 至寶 & Fraser Whatford, Ann 安寶 & David Donar.

Harriet remained steadfast in her faith embracing the love of God and receiving the assured presence of her Saviour Jesus Christ into the last moments of her life. She is now safely home with Jesus resting in peace awaiting His glorious return.

A memorial service will be held at Thompson Funeral Home, Aurora, on September 4, 2026: Visitation at 12 pm, Memorial service at 1 pm.