Siu Lan Laura Wang

She graduated from St. Rose of Lima’s College for girls in the late 1950s and was living an exciting life as an English teacher before meeting her future husband Richard Yu Kuei Wang at a customary dim sum luncheon by relative introduction. After being in a long-distance relationship by post mail Laura decided to embark on a wonderful journey to meet with her love in Europe where he was pursuing graduate studies and married Richard in Heidelberg, Germany, on April 17, 1968. The new couple then traveled overseas to discover Canada and start a new chapter following a career opportunity and joining the family. Laura’s husband would complete a doctorate in science and would teach Pharmacology at the prestigious Laval University in the City of Québec. During that, period she greatly supported Richard in his publications and research thesis. They were happy and made their permanent home there and raised two children, Dr. Isabella Wang, DMD, and Dr. Philippe Wang, DC, DMD.

Laura was passionate and devoted her life to her husband, family, and the Lord Jesus Christ. She advocated that children’s innate talents needed to be kindled and nurtured early before adulthood to be expressed fully. She would go on to teach Chinese at a convent in collaboration with nuns to children of the Asian immigrant community. As a mother, Laura would also tell stories, read poetry and teach her children Philippe and Isabella about Chinese culture and language at home.

Hard work was not unknown to Laura. When living in Quebec’s cold winters, she would shovel snow in the early mornings and be known to clear the paths so cleanly and safely that you’d think it was an indoor floor. She also worked diligently in accounting and kept the books and helped manage two very large Chinese restaurants. Additionally, she facilitated the immigration of other family members to Canada and participated actively in her local Chinese association.

Laura was perseverant and resilient. She moved from Hong Kong to Canada via Europe and adapted to different cultures, languages, and customs. She assisted her husband, Richard, in all his endeavours, and supported her children and grandchildren while her husband was ill and confined to a wheelchair. In 2004, Laura and Richard retired and moved to Vancouver to enjoy more forgiving weather, a larger Chinese community, and social lifestyle as well as being closer to their daughter Isabella and other family.

Recently, Laura traveled back to her hometown of the City of Québec to spend six months with her son Philippe, daughter-in-law Marie-Annie, her four beloved grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends. Following this trip, she returned to Vancouver in January this year to spend quality time with her daughter, son-in-law, family, friends, and four dogs, Kahala, Bobbie, Chester, and Ava – who she equally loved.

Laura passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023, at Vancouver General Hospital. She is survived by her daughter Isabella and son Philippe; grandchildren Ann-Elizabeth, Alexandra, Alderic, and Arielle-Sarah Wang. She also leaves behind her loved family sisters Siu Lai (Sylvia) and Siu Ping (Anna); brother Chi Bill; son-in-law Barry Hong; daughter-in-law Marie-Annie Dumoulin as well nieces, nephews, extended family as well as many dear friends.

We will miss Laura, her lovely spirit, and her beautiful smile. Au revoir.