Agnes Yit Yin Chan

Born in Miri, Sarawak, East Malaysia on December 20, 1934, Agnes was the eldest of five siblings. She lived most of her life in Seria, Brunei, where she met her beloved husband, Francis. The two married in 1953 and built a happy and fulfilled life together. Following Francis’s retirement from the Brunei Shell Petroleum Company, they emigrated to Canada in 1988 to begin a new chapter in Burnaby. They were active members of the catholic churches in Seria and Burnaby. Though Francis passed away in December 1998, the strength and love of their union remained a cornerstone of her life.

As a homemaker, she took great joy in entertaining family and friends, earning endless compliments for her hospitality and cooking —most notably for her traditional Chinese pastries and dumplings. Agnes was an avid orchid gardener. As a leading member of the local orchid society in Brunei, her expertise and dedication earned her numerous awards and accolades over the years.

Above all, Agnes was a loving, generous matriarch whose presence brought immense comfort and joy to those around her.

She is survived by her devoted children: Anita (Steve); Sophia (Frank); Edmund (Jennifer); Edward (Elisabeth); Edwin (Kimberly). Agnes’s legacy lives on through her 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her profound pride and joy.