Judy May Chow

February 21, 1936 – August 28, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Judy May Chow, who passed away peacefully in New Westminster, British Columbia, on August 28, 2026, at the age of 90.

Judy was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on February 21, 1936. Her early years were spent growing up in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, in the famous Yip Sang Building, surrounded by a remarkable extended family. Her father was one of the children born to Yip Sang and his four wives. The building was home to generations of the family, and Judy grew up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and countless cousins. Those were lively and memorable years filled with family, friendships, and plenty of fun.

Judy was an active and athletic young woman and, as she liked to tell it, had more than a few suitors along the way. In her late twenties and early thirties, she became an accomplished bowler and enjoyed many years of the sport. She spent most of her working life as a bookkeeper.

Judy had a love for good company and good times. She enjoyed playing mahjong and bingo with her friends and was never one to shy away from a conversation. Judy was outspoken, never afraid to express her opinions, and always had something to say. She could be funny, blunt, entertaining, and occasionally quite opinionated—but that was Judy. People enjoyed talking with her because she had a way of making conversations memorable.

Judy married Eugene in 1957. Had their son Todd but later divorced in 1974. She then re-married to Howard in Las Vegas, and they remained together until his passing on May 9, 1996.

Judy and Howard enjoyed travelling and making the most of their time together. They made many trips to Reno and Las Vegas, as well as numerous drives to Seattle and Portland, often combining their travels with visits to the horse and dog races. Judy also had the opportunity to travel farther afield, including trips to China, New York, and Los Angeles.

She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, especially a good meal. Judy loved going out to Mother Tucker’s and The Keg, where prime rib was always a favourite. In her later years, she was just as happy staying home, watching old movies on television—and, of course, offering her very frank opinions about the current politicians.

Judy's life was not without its challenges. She faced serious health difficulties, including triple bypass heart surgery, kidney failure, and diabetes. Yet through all of it, she remained remarkably strong. She rarely complained and continued to battle through whatever difficulties came her way. She was a tough and resilient woman who faced some difficult odds with determination and courage.

To her family, Judy was a rock. She had a strength that carried her through many difficult times, and her presence was something they could always count on. Now that she is gone, the loss leaves an enormous space that can never truly be filled.

Judy will be deeply missed by her son, Todd; daughter-in-law, Susanna; granddaughter, Brianne; and grandson, Jason. She will also be remembered by the many relatives and friends whose lives she touched throughout her 90 years.

There will be many tears because Judy is no longer with us. But there will also be laughter when we remember her stories, her strong opinions, her sense of humour, her love of a good conversation, and the many adventures she shared with the people she loved.

Judy was a strong lady who lived life in her own way. She was never afraid to speak her mind, never easily defeated, and never forgotten.

She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.