Mrs. Agatha Ah Yun Chong Chiang

Our mother, Agatha Ah Yun Chong-Chiang, was born in Limbang, Sarawak, Malaysia, on March 25, 1927. Her parents were immigrants from China to Malaysia. Mum attended St. Ann’s Convent School in Labuan with 4 years of formal education. Her Catholic faith was unwavering and shaped her into the person she was. Agatha was predeceased by her two older sisters and two younger brothers, husband Phillip, daughters Margaret (Robert) and Grace.

Mum met and married our father, Phillip Chiang, in Labuan, Malaysia. In 1954, after four children, Phillip and Agatha moved to Seria, Brunei, as Phillip was working for Shell Oil. She had six more children in Seria. Mum was a homemaker and a devout Catholic. She led the rosary nightly surrounded by her children and ensured her children attend weekly mass in their Sunday best. With so many children to care for, she became a creative seamstress, an avid gardener and excellent cook. Agatha had a fondness for dogs throughout her life. She especially loved Smokey, a large black Rottweiler, who towered over her while it led her along their daily walks together.

Mum and Dad immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, in March 1979, with their three youngest children. In 1984, the family moved to Burnaby and St Francis de Sales (SFdS) became their family Parish. It was a daily routine for Mum to walk to and from church to attend early morning mass. This kept her active and engaged. As a result, Agatha made many friends at SFdS Parish. As she aged, fellow parishioners looked out for her often making sure she made her way home safely.

Our whole lives, we have known our mother as a non-judgmental individual and believed in the goodness of everyone. She is remembered fondly for her kindness, caring nature and thoughtfulness. Through her family, Agatha expressed these values best with the care of her many grandchildren over the years.

When Phillip died in 2014, Agatha’s mental health was declining. With her Alzheimer’s progressing, she relocated to North Delta to live with her daughter, Vivien, and her family. Although she was no longer in Burnaby, her heart always remained with St. Francis de Sales Parish and the core memories she made there - family baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, weddings and funerals.

In August 2021, Agatha was placed in a care home, where she remained relatively stable. Then in April 2022, mum was transferred from Laurel Place, Surrey, to Peace Arch Hospital’s, Dr Al Hogg Pavilion 1, in White Rock, until her passing on December 31, 2022.

Our family is grateful to all the staff that cared for our Mum at Laurel Place and Al Hogg Pavilion.

Agatha is lovingly remembered by surviving children and spouses:

Leonie, Richard (Josie), Doris (George), Evelyn (Terrence), Vivien, Jennie, Gerard (Margaret), Winnie (Kevin)

along with her grandchildren, spouses, and great-grandchildren:

Alicia, Amelia (Henry, Nathan, Caleb), Gabriel, Kimberly (Leif, Murphy), Jason (Michelle, Frances), Catarina (Leia), Alex (Aliya), Chester (Jessica, Kaitlyn), Adrian, Georgina (Jerad), Jermyn, William, Jevon, Julia, Nicholas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawn-burnaby.com for the Chong Chiang family.