Ivy Oi-Wai Tao

Ivy Oi-Wai Yu was born in Canton, China, on July 7, 1948 to the late Lun Su Yu and the late Shui Shan (Fifi) Woo. The Yu family moved to Taiwan for seven years before settling in Hong Kong. It was in Hong Kong, during her high school years that she met the love of her life, Michael Pak-Kwun Tao, in grade 10. It was also during this time that Ivy heard the gospel clearly, and called upon the Lord to save her. After high school, she attended National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, Taiwan where she graduated with a Bachelor of Education.

Ivy and Michael were married on Christmas day, 1975 in Hong Kong, and settled in the Kowloon area where she enjoyed working as a teacher, completing a post-graduate certification in special education, and starting a family. Both she and Michael were members of Kowloon City Baptist Church until their move to Canada. In 1987, Ivy and Michael, along with their daughters, Jackie and Michelle, immigrated to Trail, BC, Canada. Then, in 1993, the Lord saw fit to add to her family with the arrival of a son, Luke. While in Trail, Ivy enjoyed home making, serving in her local church, and socializing. She particularly enjoyed cooking scrumptious meals and baking special treats for her family and friends. Those who knew her remember her kindness and generosity the best. If there was something that needed to be done, Ivy would do what she can to be a blessing.

In 2017, Ivy was diagnosed with breast cancer, and in the following year, Michael and Ivy, now empty-nesters, moved to Abbotsford, BC to begin a series of treatment and surgery. While the initial cancer was in remission, other types of cancer kept appearing. Unfortunately, the last cancer, leukemia, was too much for her body to continue to fight. Yet, even throughout her illness, Ivy's faith remained steadfast, and her testimony of grace shone brightly. She also did not let her illness prevent her from world-travelling and cruising on cruise ships during her later years!

Ivy is survived by her husband, Michael Tao, her three children, Jackie (Stephen) Hinebaugh of Connecticut, Michelle of Airdrie, Alberta, and Luke of Abbotsford, British Columbia, as well as five grandchildren. Her family also includes her siblings and their spouses, thirteen nieces and nephews and their spouses and their children . She is predeceased by her sister, Ellen Woo of Mississauga, Ontario. Ivy was mighty rich in family and friends, indeed! She deeply loved her entire family, whether close or distant relatives, and was loved by all.

A celebration of life for Ivy will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T2X5, followed by a reception at 12:00 PM.