Hilda Yit Kaing Lam

Hilda Lam was born on March 26, 1933, in Vancouver, BC, and she lived a long, happy life until the age of 93. Passing away on April 8, 2026, she is predeceased by husband Lam Fong and 3 sons (Peter, Lawrence and Stephen). Hilda is lovingly remembered by sons Norman (Sheri), Marshall (Cynthia) and Bowman (Dorothy), and daughters Yvonne, Yva (Jeffrie Lee) and Elaine (David Lee), daughters-in-law Nora (Peter) and Lorraine (Stephen), 20 grandchildren Curtis, Melanney, Stefanie, Jeffrey (Cindy), Michelle, Brittany, Lauren (Ethan Shi), Justin, Becky, Kevin, Brandon, Andrew, Mitchell, Markus, Jennifer, Jonathan, Nicholas, Megan, Amanda and Caitlyn, and 2 great-grandchildren Emma and Carson.

One of 6 children, Hilda grew up in East Vancouver, attending Strathcona and Britannia High School. For many years, she and her husband, Lam Fong, were the proprietors of Ho Sun Hing Printers in Chinatown. The business was established by her father-in-law, Lam Lap Tong, in 1906, starting as a rubber stamp maker and then progressing into printing products, such as business cards, letterheads, and menus. Every year, Hilda and Fong traveled to Asia for the newest Chinese products, such as the red Chinese wedding invitations and the Chinese Christmas Cards. The print shop became a hub for local businesses and people from across the lower mainland in need of Chinese printing. Hilda was there every day overseeing the operation, until its closure in 2014.

Hilda raised her children and grandchildren in the print shop. This included diaper changes in the back room and cooking in the upstairs kitchen every day. Hilda was an excellent cook; her specialties included juicy spareribs, marinated shitake mushrooms, her beef stew and banana cake. She was also involved with Chinese folk dancing –organizing performances for her 3 daughters and making costumes and props.

Hilda was also known for her candid, honest, and direct approach when providing sound advice to her family and friends. Using a no-nonsense manner in raising her children and grandchildren, she was always a supportive and protective mother and grandmother – something that they will all remember and miss.

In retirement, Hilda continued as the matriarch of the Lam Family, hosting family dinners which often included family and friends. She spent her time travelling to Asia, cruising and making several trips to South America to visit relatives. She had a passion for knitting and produced many hats, slippers, and scarves for family and friends. She also loved making crystal bracelets and became a bit of an entrepreneur.

Hilda will be greatly missed by her family. She left an everlasting impression on all those who knew her, especially her family and friends. Her legacy will live forever in our hearts. We love you, Mom.