Oi Wah Lau 劉葉愛華

Mrs. Oi Wah LAU was born in China, the province of Fujian, City of Xiamen (Amoy), island of Kulongsu. Her father King Fuk IP was a medical doctor and her mother was a housewife. She had a younger brother and all her family members were dedicated Christians. The schools she attended were managed by religious organizations. She graduated from the Yude Women School in Amoy in 1937, and spent the summer visiting relatives in Hong Kong. While she was there for only two weeks, Japan declared war on China. Her parents asked her to stay in Hong Kong because they had to flee from their home to the inlands due to the frequent bombings in Amoy.

In 1938, she enrolled as a student nurse at the Hong Kong Sanitorium Nursing School and continued to work as a nurse after graduation. She married Mr. Shune Man LAU at the Hong Kong Methodist Church, Wanchai in 1942. Her husband was an educator. She became a full time housewife after the birth of a daughter in 1943. Later, three sons were added to the family. Though busy raising her children, Oi Wah actively pursued her talents. She attained advanced diplomas in cooking and tailoring. Her friends and family often enjoyed her gourmet cuisine. While her daughter and two sons went to U.S. for university studies, she took up a post as tailoring instructor in one of the Hong Kong government evening schools! She even made the lovely wedding gown and cheongsam for her 3rd daughter-in-law. Every winter, her sons were never lacking in wearing the Oi Wah brand, hand-knitted, warm woolen sweaters with complicated patterns!

She had three grandsons and six great grandchildren - three boys and three girls. She was always filled with joy and laughter when the kids came to visit. The great grandchildren crowded around her and yelled, “Tai Ma, Tai Ma!” (great grandma, great grandma!)

Oi Wah immigrated to Toronto in 1975 and joined the Toronto Chinese Methodist Church for over 30 years. She enjoyed the fellowship and happy times with all the brothers and sisters, encouraging and supporting each other in times of need. In her later years, although she suffered multiple joint aches and pains that limited her mobility, she never complained. She participated in activities and services at TCMC before the COVID outbreak, and learned to attend virtual meetings through Zoom, YouTube or telephone.

The week before she passed away, on Thursday, July 14th, she recorded a 5-minute scripture reading for the Sunday service, and attended a Zoom Bible study class. On Saturday morning, July 16th, she attended the senior fellowship meeting via Zoom. After lunch, she took her usual afternoon nap, and then peacefully went with the Lord.

Her life, the full 101 years, had been a Blessing! Her favorite Bible passage was Psalms 23, “my cup overflows, surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life”.

To celebrate Oi Wah’s life of brilliance, let us all rejoice and give thanks and praises to the Almighty Lord. Hallelujah!

A visitation for Oi Wah will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Toronto Chinese Methodist Church, 8 Metropolitan Rd, Scarborough, ON M1R 2T6. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will occur Saturday, July 30, 2022 at approximately 12:30 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4T 2V8.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrett-thornhill.ca for the Lau family.