Kuen Lee (Wong Chan Lee Kuen / 黃陳李娟)

It is with deep love and gratitude that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Kuen Lee (Wong Chan Lee Kuen / 黃陳李娟), who went home to be with the Lord on August 29, 2025, at the age of 92 (95 by regional Chinese tradition). Kuen was born on July 29, 1933, in Canton, China, the only child of Lee Shu Chuen (李樹全) and Kong Fung Kwai (江鳳桂). She was the devoted wife of the late Wong Wah (黃華).

Kuen grew up in Canton before moving to Hong Kong as a young woman. Later, with the help of her second daughter, Beatrice, she immigrated to Canada in 1980 and made Vancouver, BC, her home for the rest of her life. She built lasting friendships, nurtured her family, and shared her gifts generously with all who knew her.

Though she did not have the opportunity to complete high school, Kuen worked diligently and with great skill. In Hong Kong, she began knitting for a small business, and her natural eye for detail quickly led her to become a manager, training others. Knitting became a lifelong joy, and she was always delighted to see her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren continue the tradition through crocheting. She later spent many years farming, cultivating the land with patience and dedication, which gave her a lifelong love for gardening. After immigrating to Canada, despite the challenge of not knowing English, she worked hard washing cars before joining her eldest daughter at Comet Strip, where she was entrusted with the returns department. There, she became known for her determination and creativity, repairing items for resale rather than discarding them. She remained proud of her work and the friendships she made there until her retirement.

Kuen’s faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted member of New Life Lutheran Church on 46th and Main for over 45 years, faithfully serving her congregation by cooking meals, sharing vegetables from her garden, and supporting the Cantonese fellowship. Her church community kept her grounded in God’s love and truth, and she lived out her faith with humility and service.

Gardening remained her greatest passion. From seedlings to abundant harvests, she found joy in watching her crops grow and sharing them with family, friends, and her church. In 2023, her garden overflowed so much that the produce covered not just her backyard but the entire parking lot — a reflection of her generous spirit. She also faithfully made zhongzi every year during the Dragon Boat Festival, a tradition her family cherished and will continue in her honor. Family gatherings brought her great joy, often with games of mahjong shared with grandchildren and great-grandchildren — times filled with laughter, love, and connection.

Kuen will be remembered as strong-willed, determined, and deeply generous. She lived independently, took public transit everywhere, and cared for herself with dignity well into her later years. Even in the hospital, she was most concerned that her garden was being looked after. She delighted in the simple but precious gifts of life and left behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and service to others.

Kuen is predeceased by her parents, Lee Shu Chuen and Kong Fung Kwai, and her beloved husband, Wong Wah. She is lovingly survived by her three daughters, Alice, Beatrice, and Corris; grandchildren Grand, Harry, Colin, Aaron, Caleb, Liya, and Noah; and great-grandchildren Christian, Levi, Elliott, Frank, Alice, Harrison, Ayva, and Griffyn. She will be dearly missed by extended family, her church community, and countless friends.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all who stayed by Kuen’s side during her time at Vancouver General Hospital, to the caring staff who provided excellent support, and to her church community who offered comfort, prayer, and presence during this difficult season.

Funeral & Service Information

Visitation: Sunday, September 7, 2025, 7:00–9:00 pm

Funeral Service: Monday, September 8, 2025, 10:00 am

Location: Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial St, Burnaby, BC

Livestream available at: https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/114816

Flower arrangements: Please have all flowers delivered to Ocean View Funeral Home by 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 7th.

Scripture:

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Kuen’s life was a testimony of strength, faith, and love. She has left a lasting legacy, and her family and friends take comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the arms of her Savior.