Mrs. Wan Kwei Lui

In 1949, Wan Kwei Ng married Man On Lui. They moved to Hong Kong and had 2 girls, Mary and May. In 1955, Wan stayed behind in Hong Kong, raising Mary and May, while Lui immigrated to Canada. In 1960, the Cecil Coffee Shop was purchased and by spring, Wan and their 2 daughters moved to Calgary to start their new life together.

The family business was hectic especially for the young family, with Wan and Lui starting at 5:00 a.m. every day. They made everything from scratch; including donuts, butterhorns, cinnamon buns, pies, French fries, the daily soup and daily specials. That meant early mornings and late nights, working hard. Lunchtime lineups used to stretch out the door and around the corner as the family fed workers from Hook Signs, Mutual Movers, Loomis, Liquid Nitrogen, Alberta Poultry, Glenmore Boats, the Calgary Dog Pound, Alpha Dairies, and Maytag Appliances. We lived in the tiny apartment above the Cecil, making it a bit easier for the long working hours and taking breaks.

Wan and Lui had 3 more children, Nancy, Perry and Betty growing the family to 7 people. Supporting a family of 7 was no easy task, but Wan and Lui were always able to take the family on outings, such as Banff, St. George’s Island (Calgary Zoo), Bowness Park and Happy Valley, on Sundays after the restaurant closed at 2:00 p.m. We fondly remember the days, riding in the 1967 Pontiac Parisienne, 7 of us, cruising down the Highway, windows rolled down, no seat belts!

Wan and Lui owned and operated the Cecil Coffee Shop for 35 years. They retired on October 1, 1992 with Wan and Lui helping to raise their grandchildren.

Wan enjoyed sewing, gardening, exercising and traveling with the family and friends. They travelled extensively to China, the Far East, Europe, the U.S., Australia and the Caribbean, sailed on dozens of cruises, and visited Disney World several times with the entire family.

Wan was also a famous cook, famous to us anyways. She could make almost anything just by tasting it. She often cooked for our very large family gatherings and her soups were second to none! We were lucky enough to have recorded some of her famous recipes.

Wan leaves behind her children: Mary and Ken Yee, May and Gary Yee, Nancy and Manley Yuen, Perry and Rita Lui, Betty and Danny Gow; her grandchildren: Tammy and Wylie Diegel, Kevin and Joanne Yee, Jennifer and Seward Pon, Brian Yee, Elizabeth and Christopher Liu, Maddie, Rebecca and Rachel Yuen, Madison and Darrien Lui, Brandon, Bradley, Brett and Danielle Gow; and her great-grandchildren: Taylor and Tristan Diegel, Jordan, Jayden and Kendall Yee, Kenzie, Gabrielle and Brodie Pon.

Wan was predeceased by her husband, Lui in 2018.

“Mom, we miss you so much. We will miss your talks, your very wise advice, very interesting stories and your sweet giggles. You loved us so much and you never held back, taking little for yourself. You were our rock and will always be our rock.

Mom, we wish you didn’t have to leave us but we are so happy you are with Dad once again. Dad, please take care of Mom until we meet again. Thank you Mom and thank you Dad. We love you both so much!”

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at a Visitation to be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fostersgardenchapel.net for the Lui family.