Born February 1, 1927 in Victoria, BC, Susan passed away peacefully on September 26, 2021 in Vancouver after falling 2 weeks prior. Predeceased by 5 sisters: Helen Tom, Alice Hee, Mary Yip, Joan Bing, and most recently Diane Jones (at 98 on June 2/21), and 3 brothers: Sam, John and Maxwell Chew. She is survived by 2 sisters: Nancy Sing, Grace Yip and 34 nieces & nephews, 47 great nieces & nephews and 32 great-great nieces & nephews.
Fondly known as Susie Chew, she grew up on the family farm in Saanich, BC. At 20, she left for New Westminster where she became a community figure, active as one of the first female BSA Cubmasters, in Hawaiian dancing, modelling, and as an entrepreneur. In 1955, she founded The Waffle House Restaurant on the corner of Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue, which is still operating 66 years later near the original location.
After overcoming racial discrimination of being banned from renting an apartment, due to her Chinese ethnicity in 1956, Susan appeared on CBC’s “Front Page Challenge”. This experience was featured on the front pages of The New Westminster Record newspaper on April 13 & 20, 2017 in the two-part story “The Unbreakable Susie Chew” (https://www.newwestrecord.ca/in-the-community/the-unbreakable-susie-chew-part-one-3050117).
In 1963 she moved to Toronto where she opened a fashion boutique and introduced the mini skirt to the city. There she was involved in teaching hula dancing, acting in movies, tv shows and commercials and became an avid painter. For many years she was very involved with Toastmasters International and helped run various clubs.
After 43 years as a realtor in Toronto she retired and moved to Vancouver to be closer to family, where she remained active in Toastmasters, singing and playing mah jong.
Susan will be deeply missed by her family and many friends across the country. By request there will be no service.
Donations may be made to Parkinson's Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hamiltonharronfunerals.com for the Chew family.
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