She passed away on June 24, 2026. Throughout her 84 years she overcame many health challenges and showed us how to brave adversity through quiet resilience, grit, humour, and grace.
Kathleen was born in Hong Kong on June 6, 1942. She graduated from teacher’s college and taught for 1 year before moving to Canada in 1965 to marry her childhood sweetheart. She lived in Regina and Edmonton before settling in Vancouver where she spent most of her life raising her family.
She will be greatly missed by Daniel Yuen Yau, her husband of 60 years, her children Karen (Lester), Stephen (Brenda), and Gladys (Roger), her eight grandsons, and her large extended family in Australia, Asia, Canada, and the United States.
Kathleen devoted her life to supporting and nurturing her family. Life will not be the same without the matriarch who was the foundation of our strength. She ensured that every generation received what they needed and the impact of her passing will be deeply felt.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Mrs. Tong held on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 2:30 pm at Southern Delicacy Restaurant (6055 West Boulevard in Vancouver, B.C).
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honour of Kathleen to: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or Lupus Canada.
