Mabel Hung Yeuk Ho Wang

Mabel, Yeuk Ho, Wang (née Hung), born August 27, 1937 in Shanghai, China, died peacefully on December 16, 2017 at age 80. She was the youngest of four children of William Shih Ho Hung, a lawyer, with three elder brothers preceding her. After graduating from St. Mary’s Hall in Shanghai, she entered Fudan University in the 1950s to study Chinese Literature. Having learned piano since childhood, she then entered the Shanghai Music Conservatory to further her studies in piano performance. It was there that she met Thomas Yau Sam Wang, who was studying violin performance. This developed into a marriage of which they celebrated the 55th anniversary, the emerald anniversary, in 2016.

After they got married, they moved to Hong Kong, where she continued with her lifelong passion – the quest for knowledge. In 1963, she studied English Literature for a year at the then Baptist College before pursuing her Journalism degree at the newly established Chinese University of Hong Kong and becoming one of the first graduates of that degree in that institution. Later, she became one of the first again – the first batch of staff who helped set up the news division at Hong Kong's TVB. She worked there until her daughter was born.

In 1969, she furthered her studies in the US and received a Master’s degree from Indiana University in Librarian Studies, specializing in music librarianship and music studies. Returning to Hong Kong, she joined her alma mater, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and worked as Assistant University Librarian. In the 1980s, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts was established and Mabel became the founding librarian of their library – the first performing arts library in Hong Kong integrating different materials on theatre, dance, music, theatre production on the same shelf. She contributed 20 years to the two libraries and retired in 1991 to settle down in Vancouver with her family.

Mabel had published numerous articles on classical music in print media over the years. These media outlets included Sing Tao Daily and Hong Kong Economic Journal in Hong Kong, as well as Sing Tao and Ming Pao in Vancouver. Her earlier writings were also published as a collection. Apart from writing, she was an active member of the arts and culture scene in Vancouver, contributing as consultant and trustee for organizations such as Vancouver Arts Festival, Chinese Cultural Center of Vancouver, BC Chamber Orchestra, etc.

She was diagnosed with cancer in her last few years and passed away at the Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House in Richmond BC after fighting the sickness with all her might. She wanted to thank the cancer clinic at the Richmond Hospital for all the love and care she had received during her long and difficult journey. She especially appreciated her oncologist Dr Yun, who walked with her to the end without fail. She was also deeply grateful for all her friends in Vancouver who had supported her and Thomas in those difficult times. Their kindness and generosity had given them much strength and comfort.