Esther Wai Yee Nip

Esther will be remembered for her strength of character, kindness, her beauty, and generosity, but also by her standards of conduct and ability to forgive. She will be greatly missed by her children Judia, Gloria and Brian (Rachel) and her precious grandchildren, Alycia, Christian, Keefer (Savanna), Christine (Achraf), Stefanie, Jonathan, Kathryn, Ryan and Renee. Mom joins her husband, Donald, of 66 years who passed earlier this February.

Esther was born in Hong Kong and arrived in Vancouver, Canada as a new bride. As was often told in stories, it was a shock to the system. Esther’s strength, grace, and beautiful personality allowed her to persevere, learn a new language and find work, initially at Bell’s market on Commercial Drive and then as a seamstress at C. Kent’s Garment factory. Later, Esther became a hostess and cashier at Vancouver’s famed Trader Vic’s. Famous as a location for business meetings, Esther met many people whom she liaised with to help her husband, Donald, when they were building their apartment and Vancouver Specials. Esther was also “discovered” and asked to model for Eaton’s. Photos of Esther appeared several times in the Vancouver Sun. She was a beauty both inside and out.

Esther loved to learn new things and took many classes at local community centres. She even managed to convince her husband to take ballroom dancing lessons, much to the family’s surprise! Later on in life, armed with an iPad and smartphone, she signed up for lessons at the Apple store. Always a great cook, Esther loved preparing dinners for the family on special occasions and baking cakes and cookies for so many people. She was especially remembered for her Coffee Cloud cake which was widely sought after during pot luck dinners.

Esther enjoyed being with her posse of girlfriends, many of whom she had known for more than 60 years. On most Fridays, you could find the ladies having lunch at either White Spot or Ricky’s. The only time she missed this weekly ritual was when Esther and Donald were travelling around the world or on their annual trip to Hawaii.

Most of all, Esther enjoyed being with her family. Esther was the happiest spending time with the youngest grandchildren in Hong Kong, or teaching the older grandchildren how to play mahjong or cook her specialty dishes. Always a teacher, guidance counsellor or referee, Esther could disarm any disagreement with her quick wit and wry smile that often left everyone laughing. She was sassy and those around her had to be on their toes.

Mom, we miss you so much and hope you are at peace. We love you and find comfort in knowing that you are together again with dad.

At this time, the family wishes to thank Dr. Telio and the nurses in the oncology unit at Burnaby hospital and Abby for her constant care. There will be a service at Glenhaven Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, August 10 at 12:30.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Nip family.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, 1835 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. Phone 604-255-5444.