Wavnie Patricia Chow

Wavnie Patricia Chow passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the age of 83 years. She is sadly missed by her loving husband Kwong, children: Lai-Wan Leung, Kuen (Candice) Chow and her grandchildren: Alyssa, Kristian and Chantel. A Celebration of Life will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (Across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made directly to: Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, St. 100, 119 – 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6; The Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 or the Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

Pat’s Story:

Born in De Kinderen, British Guyana to Samuel and Mary Yhap. Pat (Patsy) was the third of four children. (Predeceased by her siblings Sheila, Stan & Joyce, she is survived by her adopted sister Gwen).

Growing up, she told stories of living above the Rum shop run by her Aunts Moi & Look...collecting eggs from the family’s chickens...bringing water from the well, a bucket and mollie (head ring) on her head...mud squishing between the toes of her bare feet. Her teens were spent in Georgetown where she lived with Guy & Florence Kum, who would later become her adopted parents. Guy decided she was to become a doctor.

Pat attended the University of Glasgow, Scotland graduating from medical school. She headed home stopping off in Trinidad, where she met by her future husband, Kwong. After a year’s courtship Pat & Kwong married in New Brickdam Guyana. The couple settled in Trinidad where Pat worked for the government's public health program. Later, she operated a clinic from her home.

The couple had a daughter, Lai-Wan, in 1963 and a son, Kuen, in 1964. Kwong immigrated to Calgary and the family followed in 1968.

Pat practiced family medicine in the community of Glamorgan (1968-1986) and would later serve as a surgical assistant at the Rockyview Hospital. She had the honor of being President of the Chinese Medical Association. She came out of retirement to operate a medical clinic (1989-91) with her son's dental practice in Forest Lawn. It was a special time for mother and son. Pat served diligently wherever God placed her.

Growing up Pat was a talented artist & pianist. Her varied interests ranged from volunteering in the gardens at the Calgary Zoo, square dancing, going to the theatre. She was an avid reader, gardener and God gifted her with a very green thumb. She was keen on learning about the world, and together she and Kwong travelled to many countries throughout their life together. Spending precious time with her kids and grandkids, encouraging them to do their best, was one of the many highlights of her life.

God has blessed her richly throughout her life. As a family, we are thankful to God for her presence in our lives.