Laura Chi Laan Li

Laura passed away peacefully at age 93 after spending her last days with close family and friends. Born in Hong Kong in 1928 to Siu Hong Yeung (楊肇康)and May Au (欧愛國), she was the beloved “Big Sis” to her four surviving siblings Esther (Michael), David (Moira), Paul (Fanny), and Andrew (Rebecca), “Mom” to daughter Karen and son-in-law Jeff, and “Poh-Poh” to grandson Thomas. She joins her husband Ken, deceased in 2002.

Life was disrupted by the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong following Pearl Harbour, when the family moved to mainland China and lived on a houseboat for about 3 years, in a small community of refugees of similar background from Hong Kong, in a village called馬江in Guangxi. They all rented boats and lived on the river. Laura prided herself on being the first to dive into the water to retrieve fallen objects and helped her younger siblings keep up their schoolwork despite the unusual circumstances. After the war, Laura was placed in the True Light (真光) boarding school where she made many lifelong friends. In 1952 she completed a Bachelor’s degree at Hong Kong University, meeting Ken and marrying in 1954. Together they made the decision to move to Canada in 1965, settling in the Langara neighbourhood nearby several of her True Light school friends. Laura taught high school in Surrey until Karen was adopted in 1968, later becoming secretary of the Chinese United Church where she worked until retirement. From Langara, Laura and Ken lived briefly in Richmond before settling in West Vancouver, with various family members living with them over the years (father-in-law Li Shu Nam, brother-in-law Li Yau Mun, nephews Charles, Anthony, and Henry). Laura accepted this extended family into her home with aplomb, regularly preparing dinner for eight, and knitting intricate Cowichan sweaters for every member of the household. She loved to cook and bake for crowds, experimenting with different cuisines and making everything from scratch.

Her passion for cooking was matched by her love of travel, nature, and music. Laura enjoyed numerous trips to China and Europe with Ken and their friends, exploring more far-flung places after Ken’s passing (Peru, Iceland, the Middle East, India, Africa, SE Asia, and Dubai). Especially memorable were trips with Karen and family through Japan, Costa Rica, and Haida Gwaii. She and Ken enjoyed hikes with the West Van Ramblers and Saturday walks (and meals) with their friends. Every trip was detailed in her travel journals; every walk was noted in her guidebook of BC hiking trails. Following Ken’s death, Laura moved back to the Langara area. Into her 90s, Laura kept a full weekly schedule, singing with the Chown and Chinese United Church choir, the Vancouver Oratorio Society, and the Brock House Choir, attending bible study classes, doing aerobics at the Marpole Community Centre, and volunteering at the Oakridge Senior Centre. For her last six months Laura was cared for by the wonderful team at Opal Licensed Care where she delighted in the culinary offerings (never leave any food behind!) and the company of old friends and fellow residents. We will miss her zest for discovery and gentle humour.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to some of Laura’s favourite charities: the Canadian Red Cross, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Knowledge Network.

A viewing for Laura will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Vancouver Memorial Services and Crematorium, 5505 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5W2Z3. Following the viewing will be a witness from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Vancouver Crematorium, 5505 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC V5W2Z3.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hamiltonharronfunerals.com for the Li family.