Mrs. Pansy Chan Mar

Our beloved mother died peacefully in Vancouver on October 25th at 10:50 pm surrounded by her family at her hospice bedside. Pansy’s huge heart and effervescent spirit will be remembered by all those who knew her. She will be sorrowfully missed by her three devoted daughters Joni (Clint), Connie (Frank), Stacie (Francis) and grandchildren Kira, Alex, Brittany and Mikayla. She is survived by her siblings Eva (Ernie), Harry (Ann), Lily (Dick), Rose, Herbie (Jade), Violet (Len), sister-in-law Margaret and her many nieces, nephews and their children. Pansy was predeceased by her loving husband Victor of 52 years, siblings Irene (Harold) and Howard, in-laws Wally and Pearl, and niece Ronise.

Pansy was best known for her generosity, selfless nature and acceptance of others. She dedicated her life to her family, cherishing time with her grandchildren and sisters. She enjoyed outings with her sisters to local casinos, dinners out and any kind of extended family get-togethers. She also loved hosting family dinners for her daughters and grandchildren whenever possible. A spectacular baker- friends and family savored her Christmas gifts of pound cake and cherry almond cookies. Pansy adored her 4 grandchildren and attended their many extracurricular activities to cheer them on. Even flying across the country for a ballet performance. Her greatest hope was to live to see each of them happily married.

Pansy was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in August 2008. She began a courageous three year battle that included 18 chemotherapy treatments, numerous blood transfusions, bone marrow biopsies and a spleen removal. Amazingly she continued to care for her husband Victor until he died of emphysema in August 2010. After Victor's passing, Pansy's cancer accelerated. She faced this reality with grace and acceptance taking the necessary steps for the final journey of her life. She closed up her Vancouver home and moved to Marion Hospice in August 2011. Without the daily household duties, Pansy was able to finally devote time to herself. The hospice team was attentive and caring, the environment perfect for rest and life reflection.

She knew she had made the right choice. Surrounded by the support of her loving family, her final two months were comfortable and peaceful. They spent lighthearted days together, joking and reminiscing about their favorite memories. Her cheerful spirit and charming nature even drew the staff to linger in her room. Her inner strength and positive ‘can do’ attitude were an inspiration to all. After 4 remarkably strong weeks in the fall, she quickly declined. Sadly two weeks later she lost her battle with cancer. Pansy was satisfied that she had fulfilled her life’s purpose by giving her best to her children.

Her daughters are deeply grateful for the excellent attention their mother received from each member of the Marion Hospice team. Their compassionate care and support allowed her to fully relax and enjoy her final weeks. They also acknowledge the expertise and kindness of world leading lymphoid cancer expert Dr. Joseph Connors and his oncologists at the BC Cancer Agency (BCCA).

A generous giver, Pansy was touched by the outpouring of love and care she received from her family and friends in these final years. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. At Pansy’s request, a private service will be held with immediate family. In lieu of flowers she would be grateful for donations of any amount to Dr. Connor’s Lymphoma Research as her wish is to stop this disease from claiming more lives.

Any donations made in Pansy Mar's name will go directly to this research. You can make an online donation by going to Pansy's memory page at http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/goto/PansyMar, by mail at the BC Cancer Foundation, 150-686 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1G1 or by phone at 604-877-6040.