Ying Bing Chew

Ying was born on July 13, 1930, according to the Lunar Calendar, in Enping, Guangdong Province, China. She immigrated to "Gold Mountain" in 1960 with her No. 1 child to reunite with Chew Ming York, her childhood sweetheart and beloved husband of 71 years. With York, her partner in every quarter, she built a thriving new life in Canada and nurtured a family that held her as its caring, calm and unshakeable heart.

Ying moved with grace and quiet strength. From her origins as a beautiful countryside schoolteacher in Guangdong to becoming a savvy store manager, hotel book-keeper, and chef in Duncan, BC, she embodied both flexibility and determination. Alongside York, she built and sustained the family businesses – first, a small grocery store followed by a restaurant and hotel. Her tireless dedication to this work and to her family were driven by a deep knowing that her efforts would bolster the dreams and possibilities for future generations of children and grandchildren. Though working life left little time for leisure, she extended her care generously through her enduring kindness, warmth, and lovingly-prepared foods and treats that could nourish all who surrounded her.

A life full of hardship, hard work and good fortune had shaped her that way. Her mother was a beautiful young girl picked as a concubine for the well-to-do Leung family.

Born a girl in Old China, Ying survived only because her mother had already borne the Leung’s their first son. She was deeply loved by her birth mother and nanny, to whom she remained loyal and supported for the rest of her life. She was especially loved by older brother, Leung Yun Tung. Their bond was special, strong and enduring.

Ying’s own courtship was different. She and York entered a love marriage and their “half-modern” wedding ceremony became the talk of the village for a generation. The couple welcomed their No. 1 in Enping, who Ying eventually raised in Hong Kong while York

immigrated to Canada in 1954. The couple’s struggle to reunite the family would last 6 years, until the family would settle in Duncan, BC and grow to include No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4.

Ying was devoted to nurturing and building a life full of opportunities for the children – the lights of her life. While York worked between Vancouver Island and Vancouver, Ying ran the family and family businesses with selflessness, strength and a relentless work ethic. She fed, comforted, encouraged and supported in-laws, cousins and extended family. The family was her source of strength – an anchor that helped her weather a battle with breast cancer.

Retirement in Vancouver was highlighted by active mornings exercising in the backyard, afternoons enjoying Cantonese opera, walks surrounded by the natural beauty of her adoptive country, dinners with her beloved brother Tung and holidays to Hong Kong, China, London and Maryland. All with York by her side.

She found delight in doting on her grandchildren – all of whom adored her. They will always remember the silhouette and smile eagerly awaiting them at her front window.

Her name Bing Ying – given by York prior to his departure to Canada in 1954 – evokes a glowing firefly amidst a winter storm. This name continues to encapsulate her legacy: the brightness of her love and determination, the lightness manifested in her daily small acts of kindness, and the radiance of her smile. While Alzheimer's would slowly steal her memory, her light never dimmed. She will be remembered for her deeply caring and joyful presence. Her example encourages us to extend kindness and care with an unwavering commitment to those who surround us.

Ying will be forever celebrated by her children Emily (Robert), Nancy (Lance), Hall (Elvira), Ben (Julia), 11 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and sister-in-law Leung Li-Yen, née Sam, wife of Tung. (d. May 10, 2024, aged 96).

The family is grateful for the compassionate and exceptional care of Dr. Robin Paytel and the entire staff – past and present – of Youville Residence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ying Chew to Youville Residence. Donations may be made online at helpstpauls.com with “Youville Residence” written in the “Gift Information” section.