Mrs. Fai Ha Lee

January 19, 1934 - December 9, 2023

Fai Ha (Yan) Lee was born in Toishan, Canton province of China. She was the eldest of four siblings. On the morning of December 9th, she peacefully left us at the age of 89.

She was a devoted wife to Ying Cheuk Lee, a loving mother and mother-in-law to her 2 sons, Wilson (Lily) and Douglas (Rebecca), and a kindhearted grandmother to Nicole and Brendan.

During the early days of marriage, Fai Ha escaped with her young family to Hong Kong from poverty-stricken mainland China. After 7 years in Hong Kong, they immigrated to Victoria, B.C. Canada, where she and her husband resided until their mid 70’s.

The early days in Canada were full of challenges. Having very limited English, Fai Ha took on various labour jobs at a reputable restaurant located in the inner harbour area of Victoria. In her spare time, she learned to speak English better. She was also the first among her female relatives to learn to drive. Fai Ha's driving record was clean, without any accidents. In time, she managed to secure meaningful work with the Royal Road Military College of Canada in its food service department, where she worked till retirement. At work, her supervisors respected her diligent and excellent work attitude. She met each challenge with a smile, regardless of the assigned work tasks. Her coworkers often praised her and said she was a joyful person to work with.

She had a sharp mind. While in Hong Kong she was so excited when she taught herself to read English. On work breaks, she learned to knit and crochet by watching her coworkers. She loved cards and was tough to beat, often going out first in Mexican Rummy before many younger players could lay down a hand. She loved telling stories, often laughing so hard she barely had breath to finish telling them. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and gave them praise, loving support and shared with them many life lessons.

She had an active retirement - frequently going to the pool and gym. She also enjoyed dance lessons and proved to be an excellent lawn bowler, even winning a few prizes.

Shortly after, she and her husband moved to Vancouver to live with their son Douglas and his wife Rebecca, but unfortunately, it was there that Fai Ha experienced numerous health issues. In 2015, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. The surgery was successful, but because of her advanced age, much of the damage was irreversible. In mid-2022, Fai Ha moved with her husband to an assisted living facility in Richmond. Later that same year she moved again to a nursing home in East Vancouver due to her declining health. There, she was cared for by many loving and caring long-term care workers and her two daughters-in-law, especially Rebecca on many occasions.

In her last days, she was still thinking of others. Always offering snacks during their visits, asking about their work, and showing interest in their lives.

She came to know the Lord while in the care home and subsequently was baptized there.

Card playing was her favorite past time.

She even played with her son Wilson the day before she passed. She was one month from turning 90 years old.

She is greatly missed by her loved ones. The memory of her will be cherished forever.

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