Heing Yeelen Lum

On November 1st, 2025, Ellen Heing Yeelen Lum, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Amica Arbutus Manor.

Ellen was born in Vancouver, B.C., Canada on March 14th,1928 to her Father D. J. Chow Mee Ding and Mother Chow Shew Shee; both from Zhongshan, Guangzhou, China. She lived in Chinatown at her home on the corner of Main and Pender; in the rear apartment of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce which is now a Heritage building.

Ellen graduated from Strathcona and King Edward Highschool. She was an excellent student. She met her beloved soul mate and dearest husband, Vernon Lum, and were married in 1947.

Ellen was the last remaining member of the Chow Family siblings. She was predeceased by Teana Koo (Jim), Henry Chow (Rose), Jane Wong (Ben), Susie Leong, Dr. Richard Chow (May), Kay Sun (C.C.), Quon Chow.

Mom will be lovingly missed by her six children; Denny (Tomoko), Garry (Barbara), Donald, Norman (Ann), Becky (Hubert), Mimi (Janos), and ten grandchildren; Chris (Aryannah), Sean (Paulia), Shawna (Lucas), JJ (Ali), Gregory (Nat), Dominic, Heston (Charing), Jordan, Vaughn, and Troy. She is further blessed with eight great grandchildren: Phoenix, Beckham, Raika, Naya, Alyssa, Avery, Leo and Zoe. Beloved mention to Ellen’s many nieces and nephews in Vancouver and around the world.

Ellen was known for her charming banter and infectious laughter. She was a very talented seamstress and knitter. She was also very artistic with many impressive charcoal sketches and scrolls of Chinese calligraphy. She enjoyed ice skating, badminton and clogging at the nearby Community centers. We rolled with laughter, including Mom, as she practiced her clogging through the house. Ellen also played a mean hand of Bridge but a slow round of MJ! Nothing pleased Mom more, than having guests come over for an afternoon tea to enjoy her delicious home baked treats of cookies and pies. Many years of weekly Sunday roast beef dinners were lovingly prepared by Ellen for family and friends. Mom was always elegantly dressed and took great care in her hair and grooming. We would all giggle at the fact that in the later years; she would forget all her medical appointments but never her hair appointment!

We are all relieved that Mom’s physical struggles are over now and that her spirit is with our Dearest Dad as they live in eternal peace together.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the Caregivers and Staff at Amica Arbutus Manor for their constant care and devotion. Just a few days before her passing she did say “I’m happy here”. We’re also grateful to her Medical Team, VGH, Red Cross and the Community nurses at Palliative Care-Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre

Donations enlieu of flowers to Heart and Stroke. You can donate online at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/contact-us/memorial-giving or phone 1-888-473-4636

Ellen requested a Graveside Service which take place on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 at 10am at Ocean View Cemetery, Bakerview