Ms. Andrea Wu

From Annie:

“It all started with her sitting on my head…”. Andrea, affectionately known as “Baby,” was born in Vancouver and the youngest of 4 daughters. She was a precocious and bold child with a devilish streak whose childhood escapades are legendary! Whether it was storming off in Seattle’s South Center Mall or hiding in the closet for hours while the whole family scoured the neighbourhood for her, she was a fiery and fearless child.

Andrea was naturally gifted in cooking from a very early age and food was her love language. She took care of the people she loved by making delicious meals, ensuring everyone always left with a full belly. My daughter was spoiled by all the different Chinese dishes she made.

Andrea had a quiet strength and courage, that was not flashy or obvious. But when Andrea received her diagnosis, one of the first things she said to me was that she was not strong like our mom. This self-deprecating statement about herself was absolutely untrue. She was humble and resilient, enduring many months of treatment and fighting with determination in order to give us the extra time with her. Every day was a gift. Andrea passed peacefully, without pain, surrounded by the love of her entire family and completely on her own terms.

From Anita:

“It all started with my parents bringing Andrea home from the hospital…” Annie and I were so excited to play house with her in the bottom bunk bed that we accidentally dropped her. Needless to say, Andrea would tease us and never let us forget about that. I remember Andrea having Spiderman toes which allowed her to perform acrobatics from her crib and escape into our family room. I can recall so vividly, Andrea taking her first steps, feeding her a bottle with one hand while doing homework with the other, and changing her diaper. She developed a penchant for cooking as early as five years old and thus began her passion for cooking. Annie and I would often come home from school being greeted by Andrea and her offering to make us something to eat. We were smart enough never to turn her down.

Andrea had the most delicious yet naughtiest sense of humor. She would sing like an opera singer as she descended down the stairs on her electric chair, give us various dirty nicknames, or make morbid jokes about her illness. She certainly had a sharp wit and gave the best zingers.

She was loyal and fiercely protective of the people she loved most. Andrea had the most genuine heart. I will miss our inside jokes, her relentless teasing and our long talks into the wee hours of the night. I will cherish her love and the unforgettable memories she gifted us. Andrea will be forever in my heart.

From Angela:

“It all started when I was 10 years old and Andrea was born with a fire…” Andrea had a fiery spirit, yet she was also kind, compassionate and loving to her family and friends. She taught us how to be brave and as well as, how to make “real” Chinese soup!

Andrea (“Yee Yee”) was beloved by all her nieces and nephew and her brothers-in-law simply loved her as their sister. I will miss holding her hand and our Dad will miss and love her forever. May she always enjoy the company of our Mom and Ah Po and cooking to her heart’s content.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the Palliative Care Unit at Vancouver General Hospital who provided such wonderful care to Andrea: please find the donation button below. Family and friends are also encouraged to leave memories, messages of condolences or upload photos below.

“…Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief… As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.”

-Joey Beighley-