Name: Glenhaven Memorial Chapel
Address: Vancouver, BC

How does a hacker memorialize her great-grandma? By writing a twitter bot: 
Some of her best quotes/quirks as remembered by me.
https://twitter.com/GGMsaid

I may not have as many close memories of GGM as some of our other family members, but it does not take much to notice her strong and friendly presence that has touched and connected everyone who met her.  Her presence has always been and will continue to live on through us by all the lessons and experiences she has taught us.
I have always been amazed at her eyesight without glasses, even at 100 she continued to tell us apart and point out things like what we were wearing, that we were beautiful and handsome, telling me to stand up straight, or commenting on other people or objects.  
Her sense of humour has also given me good laughs over the years.  In particular, I have always given GGM a kiss goodbye for as long as I remember, but it was when I started growing stubble that she would make a funny face or say a funny remark that I will remember.
Thank you GGM, your legacy lives on.

Many of you already mentioned that grandma was smart, well liked, and a caring person.  She could be also be very fashionable, as she was still able to look good with a limited wardrobe.  With a 4 feet 10 inch frame, whatever clothes she wore she looked good in, even if they were a size too big or didn't look good on me.  Grandma told me when she was young that there was a new fabric she saw at the market.  She told herself that she needed to have it.  She saved enough money and bought some.  She was so proud that she would even wear her nice clothes even though she was at home.  Thumbs up to Dorothy who gave her many nice clothes.
Grandma was a wise person, she always took away the positives of life.  And thank you grandma for teaching me how to cook.

To a classy lady who shared her wisdom about love, kindness, patience and honesty.  Two thumbs up for teaching us well.

It is difficult to put into words how much my grandmother meant to me. She was a strong willed and intelligent woman.  She passed a lot of wisdom down to her children who I am happy to say passed it on to me. 

My grandmother raised two children, 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.  My grandmother also had many friends. She was so outgoing and caring it was hard not to be her friend. She is so loved by her families and friends and all of us loved to spend time with her.
   
My grandmother was proud of her life and had no regrets. She was so happy that she could raise such a wonderful family. 

My grandmother loved life; she loved her family, she loved her friends, she loved nature and she loved god. No matter what situation she was presented with, no matter how challenging; she was able to overcome it.  My grandmother always taught me that no matter what happens in life, if you remain calm and positive you could overcome it.  It was lessons like that, that I will remember the rest of my life. It is incredible what a smile and kind heart can do.

My grandmother inspired me in a lot of ways and she meant more to me than you can possibly imagine. My grandmother raised me since I was a little baby, cared for me, cooked for me, bath me when I was a toddler,  and walked me to and from school when I was a youngster.  
 
I remember when I was in elementary school, my brother and I took advantage of my grandmother's love to us.  We complained our school bags were too heavy, and if we were to carry them, the weight would make us hunchbacks.   I remember Grandma used to carry my bag on one shoulder, and my brother's bag on another.   I am talking about a 5 foot tall and 98 pound tiny woman here.   She never complained about the weight. 
  
I also remembered as a child I like to draw.  One time I wanted to draw the grand scenery in front of my childhood eyes.  I had no place to put my drawing paper.  Grandma told me to use somebody's car hood.   The driver came back, without saying, he was irate.  He was screaming and grandma screamed back even louder.  I tell you, don't mess with a tiny woman.  If you mess with me, you mess with my grandmother.

I also remember how Grandmother used to take us to markets, and shop for many food wonders as seen by our childhood eyes.   I also remembered how we loved to go the park with Grandma. 

Grandmother's love for family and life was inspirational to me. I hope that I can live my life with the same honor and respect as she did. I will always remember the time we spent together and love her forever.

My grandmother lived her life to the fullest. Although we will all miss her dearly, let's celebrate her wonderful life. Let's also share our memories and make sure that her spirit lives on in all of us.

Em's MMM of GGM
(Emily's Most Memorable Memories of Greatgrandma)

I remember Greatgrandma always saying not to mourn for her.  It's hard to not be sad that such an amazing person has passed away, but I think that Greatgrandma lives on in all of us.  I would like to share some of my most memorable memories of my mini (just in stature) but mighty Greatgrandma.

Coffee - I remember always asking her for coffee when I was little and she would never give me any.  I guess I was persistent enough that one day, she finally let me try some.  It was disgusting and I never asked her again!  A couple decades later, Greatgrandma and I would go to Tim Horton's together and share a large mocha sans whipped cream and some donuts.  She especially liked the apple fritter and the glazed donuts.  Once, we shared a Starbucks coffee and she thought it was the best coffee she had ever tasted!  I told her the cost and she seemed to think that it was worth every penny.  

Outings - Whether pushing Greatgrandma in her wheelchair through a mall or outside, she would always wave to anyone and everyone!  It was common for women and children to return the wave.  I think everyone smiled.  On First Avenue once, she even got a car full of adult males to wave back!  It was always fun going to department stores with Greatgrandma.  She LOVED all the perfume samples we'd get on the little strips of paper.  She would have some sprayed on her wrists as well.  When we got home, she'd put all the scented paper into her drawers so her clothes would smell nice.  

Patience and Love – Out of nearly three decades of seeing me practically daily, the worst thing Greatgrandma ever said to me was “Don't call me Greatgrandma anymore”.  That's pretty amazing considering I was probably not the best behaved child…or youth.  Not once can I remember her raising her voice at me nor spanking me.  On the contrary, it was Greatgrandma who came to my rescue when I was being scolded for something I had done wrong.  

Flexibility – Greatgrandma was in the hospital for a few days when she was at least 100 years old.  She continually wanted to go out of the bed.  For her safety though, it was better that she remained in bed, so there was a “seat-belt” that was put around her waist.  While the nurse was talking to me in front of her, Greatgrandma managed to wiggle herself free.  The nurse was not impressed but I certainly was!  For anyone  to be able to do that requires a lot of flexibility, let alone a 100+ year old!

Cooking – I remember making “bou” (steamed Chinese buns) with Greatgrandma.  My job was to flatten the dough that she had made into the right size. She did the rest: putting meat into dough and enclosing it.  She must have been really fast because I don't remember getting a break.  Greatgrandma was always really efficient with … everything.  She never seemed too busy or overwhelmed, even though she was always busy doing something.

Happiness for others – Greatgrandma and I loved watching Bob Barker on the Price is Right.  We'd get so excited when contestants spun “the big wheel” and got close to the red 100!   When contestants jumped and danced around after winning something, Greatgrandma would practically be as excited as they were!

Athleticism – Greatgrandma could play ball!  Not only could she throw and catch, she was also able to kick the ball back to me!  She was really fast.  Her reaction time was incredible!  At the senior's home, I remember her saying that she was the best ball player, and honestly, she was probably the best… perhaps including even the staff!  

Babies and kids – Greatgrandma had a way with babies and kids.  They all LOVED her!  It was always amazing to see how incredibly easy it was for her to carry and comfort them.  One of my favourite memories is my daughter Taryn sitting next to her Great-greatgrandma when she was about a year old.  They're looking at each other, but it looks like they're sharing thoughts and emotions.  Another is Taryn's Great-greatgrandma (or her grandma's grandma!!) spoon feeding Taryn.  I'm very fortunate that both my children have met Greatgrandma.  Taryn has even been able to play ball with Greatgrandma!

Blessings – Greatgrandma always said her blessings to everyone.  It was always nice to hear.  Strangers loved it, especially when her blessing was about them making lots of money!  For me and for so many people, not only were we verbally blessed, but we were also truly blessed for having met and having bonded with Greatgrandma.  

Thank you, Greatgrandma, my "bakbak" for all the rich memories.  I am truly fortunate.

This is a conversation overheard between two 7-year olds. 
Naomi:  I didn't know my Great-Great Grandmother's name was Yip until recently.  She was given a boy's name because her parent's thought that would make her stronger.  
Keira (friend):  I guess it worked because she must have been strong to live to 107!

Great grandma was loving, smart and brave. We will all miss her very much.

There is a memory that we can all relate to when it comes to great-grandma.  It didn't matter if we could or couldn't understand what she was saying to us.  Her spirit and energy transcended any language barrier.  I will never forget the happy smiles and two thumbs up she gave to her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandchildren whenever they were with her.  It didn't matter if you were having a bad day.  Being with great-grandma instantly made your day much better.  Rest in peace.  You will always be in our thoughts.

GGM took care of me every week day from the time I was a baby until I started Kindergarten, and then most summers as well until we moved into the 40th Avenue house. As such, she was probably the one that taught me the basics of life: how to go potty (3 squares of tissue folded twice to make a smaller square), how to not burn my tongue when eating (though I seem to have forgotten in the haste of my adulthood). 

I must have watched a fair bit of TV with her too. Like Em said, she loved watching wrestling. I also watched The Price is Right with her every day though sometimes she was cooking lunch by that time of day. She was also convinced Bea Arthur on Golden Girls was a man in drag. Absolutely. Convinced. 

In later years, I remember her sitting in the rocking lazboy in her worn pink and blue robe, and sometimes wearing her funny bottle-thick glasses, which I don't know when or why she needed to wear them. To me, it seemed like she only wore them on a whim. Or maybe to watch the evening chinese news. Or maybe the wrestling...

I remember one time when a lot of us were over at Aunt Frances's house learning how to make buns from grandma. GGM sat at the kitchen table watching us and (quite possibly) yelling at us, telling us how to do things right. I think I was peeling potatoes and taking a very long time doing it so the ones that were peeled were turning brown on the table and she told us to submerse the peeled ones in water to keep them from turning colour. 

She went to the hospital for surgery when I was 14 or so, and I cried and was scared then that she would die, but she proved me wrong. Then seven years later when she broke her first hip I thought that was the end too, but again, like the Energizer Bunny she kept on going (I think Brent came up with that). Finally when she broke the other hip a few years later, yeah well, she was as bright or aware as we'd ever seen her when my parents and I went to visit her at that hospital in Maple Ridge after she had woken up from surgery. Dad thought maybe she was high on painkillers, she was so sharp. She always remembered my dad when she saw him and could still name him properly, even at that age (105), even though she would more-often-than-not refer to me by my mother's name by then.

About 23 or more years ago, I was married to Andrew for a year or so.  We went shopping, and I saw this beautiful costume necklace (black pearls with diamonds).  It was priced at $100.00 (and we got a bit of a discount when we paid for it).  I really like the necklace but Andrew thought it was too expensive for a "fake" jewellery.  I liked it so much that I finally persuaded Andrew to buy it.  I wore the necklace to see Grandma, and she loved the necklace and commented how beautiful it is.  I told her that Andrew was hesitant for me to buy it because of it's price.  Grandma said: "If a girl likes it, buy it regardless of price".  I love Grandma's wise advice and used it as a philosophy each time Andrew hesitates to buy me any other "expensive" items.  I love you, Grandma!

I remember meeting Great Grandma a couple of times at the house.  She was always so warm and welcoming.  It was amazing just to be in her presence.  I know that she will always be remembered and treasured by all of her family and friends.

Rest in peace to my dearly loved great grandmother. May we all live as long and as full of a life as you did. We were blessed you were with us for a 107 years...

While we mourn the loss of Grandma we also celebrate the Special Woman she was and will continue to be in our hearts, souls and heritage forever. I too feel Grandma's spirit close by and I will be sure to toast her everyday when I have cup of coffee. With her influence & strength through the years our family cannot go wrong.

Jesus Loves ?? (Great Grandma)!

Jesus loves??! This I know;
For the Bible tells me so;
Blessings for her descendants;
God leads her to paradise.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves you!
Yes, Jesus loves??!
The Bible tells us so.

????????
???????
???????
????????

?????
?????
??????
???????

I once climbed through a bathroom window to rescue Dorothy after she locked herself in; but that is nothing compare to what Grandma did.
I reckon that Grandma was about 68 years old at the time. She somehow locked herself outside the house, with Dorothy home alone. Here is what she did:
She took a single pole, possibly a 2 by 4 by10, tied a number of fence boards on it with ropes, leaned it against the side of the house, climbed up to the second floor window and rescued the damsel in distress. 
From this story I have four words to describe her:
????????????:
• Capable?? – She took the bus with transfer by herself from aunt's house to our house just a few days after arriving in Canada, despite being illiterate.
• Strong?? – Just ask the nursing home staff. While she had been strong physically, she is also strong in health, in character and in spirit.
• Brave?? – She is not afraid to speak her mind, even to people that does not understand her.
• Love? – Has anyone here not been blessed by her love? Enough said!
Our “Great” Grandma!
My Heroine!
(two thumbs up salute)

Rest in peace to my great-grandma and the matriarch of our entire family. You were always the life of the party and your energy and spirit could always cheer up anyone's day. May you watch us from heaven and smile.

One of our fondest memories is of the three grammas looking through the window at the hospital when Alexa was born. I was lucky enough to capture that moment on film. I am sure there is a quiet place where a Great Gramma can sit and quietly watch over her children and Grandchildren while wearing her bright red baseball cap. She will be missed but her memories will be cherished

When I think of Great Grandma, I picture her tiny yet strong hands tightly gripping mine as she smiled and greeted me.  Although I didn't understood her words, I knew exactly what she meant.  Love transcends all language.

Grandma had taught us to respect and love our spouses. She says "Our relationship may be old, but our manner toward each other must be young". Wisdom indeed!

Great grandma was very lucky to have seen 5 generations of her family.  Amazing!

Mrs. Yip Szeto was born in the year of 1905 in China, Canton Province, Hoy Ping District.  She married my grandfather Mr. Ma Hang Keen in 1925.   Mrs. Szeto was survived by over 40 children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. 
 
In the 1920's, many families faces hardships in China.   My grandparents are of no exception.  Seeking a better future and life for the family, my grandfather Mr. Ma decided to seek a better life for his family by working in the Philippines.   He did not get to return home to China to visit his family until 1931.  This is the first time he has met his daughter, my mother Mey Ying.  The reunion enabled my grandmother to be pregnant with my Aunt Mary. 
 
After a short period of time, my grandfather went back to the Philippines to continue to work there.  The burden of raising the two daughters falls on my grandmother's shoulders.  In that era, most women were not allowed to go to school.   An educated woman was actually flown upon.  Despite the fact Grandma was illiterate; she had a very good memory, and was very philosophical about life and other things.  She had no problem raising the two daughters to be good people of society. 
 
Grandma was always kind, patient, and willing to help out others in her village despite the fact she was poor herself.  She had experienced the hardship created by the two world wars, the invasion of China by the Japanese, and the internal cultural revolution.
  
In 1955, she had immigrated to Hong Kong to be united with her two daughters and grandchildren.  She lived with my mother Mey Ying and helped my mother raise her children. 

In 1971, my mother and I, my brother Andrew and my sister Grace immigrated to Canada, settled in Vancouver.  

In 1972, Grandma immigrated to Canada to join us. She was already 67 years old at that time.  She had 7 grandchildren then and several great grandchildren.
  
In 1976, She moved in with my sister Frances, helping her raise my two nieces Dorothy and Emily.  
 
It is not until 2006, she moved to Renfrew Care Centre due to failing health.  She was able to take care of herself before then, even at that old age.

Grandma passed away on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 4:45 in the morning peacefully, in her sleep and without any suffering, at the age of 107.  She was finally relived of the burden on her shoulders, and to be with God.  Although she will not be here with us in person, we all know that she will always be in our hearts.

Yip Szeto
August 25, 1905 – April 1, 2013

Born
August 25, 1905
Canton, China

Died
April 1, 2013
Renfrew Care Centre
Vancouver, BC Canada

Funeral Service
Glenhaven Memorial Chapel
 1835 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
Tuesday, April 9, 2013  @10:00 am

Visitation
Glenhaven Memorial Chapel
 1835 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
Monday, April 8, 2013  @7:00 pm



Burial
Forest Lawn Cemetery
3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby, BC
Tuesday, April 9, 2013  @12:00 pm

Reception
Fortune City Seafood Restaurant
#302 – 2800 E. 1st Avenue, Vancouver, BC.  
Tuesday, April 9, 2013  @1:30 pm

Two thumbs up....That would always be the way Great Grandma would greet me - I think that is how she lived her long extraordinary life ....two thumbs up......all good. 
Spunky, spirited and always seemed to turning 93.....

It's amazing how I can feel the energy and the love Greatgrandma always had by just looking at the pictures.  I also love how in some pics, there's a little twinkle in her eye.  Greatgrandma certainly had a full life!

OBITUARIO

Yip Szeto

25 agosto, 1905 – 1 abril, 2013

Glenhaven Memorial Chapel

Muestre su apoyo

Comparta Un Recuerdo

Comparta
Un Obituario

Obtenga actualizaciones

Servicios