Obituary of Thérèse Wan-Sai-Cheong

 

January 13, 1938 – Vacoas, Mauritius

January 6, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thérèse Wan (née Ip-Ping-Sheong), on Friday, January 6, 2023, at the age of 84 years.

 

Thérèse was born in Vacoas, Mauritius on January 13, 1938. Her early years were difficult, but full of worthwhile lessons of family first, hard work, determination, and faith in God. By necessity, Thérèse had to care for her younger siblings, and acquired amazing skills in the kitchen. She was a tremendous cook, and caregiver at sixteen years old. With boundless creativity, and imagination, she also had a passion for sewing, crocheting, knitting, music, and art, but her biggest passion was her family. She enjoyed getting together with her family, and friends, connecting with them through joke-telling and story sharing with a large family meal. She was a kind, and loving person and always stayed positive, even through challenging times. She was always very generous, and eager to help anyone in need.

 

At nineteen years old, she met the love of her life, Joseph, and shortly thereafter they got married and ran a convenience shop in Rose Hill, Mauritius for 36 years until 1993. They eventually immigrated to Canada to join their children, and grandchildren. While in Canada, they enjoyed many activities together such as ballroom dancing, tai-chi, and partaking in numerous cultural events. Thérèse and Joseph also pursued many other adventures outside of Canada. Their trip to China to visit their ancestral village in Meixian District, a cruise to the Caribbean islands, a pilgrimage to Lourdes (France), the celebration of their Golden, and Diamond wedding anniversaries in Calgary, AB, and Mauritius, respectively, were highlights of their years together as a couple.

 

Thérèse lived a life full of grit, determination, and fortitude, and never let her 40-year Parkinson’s disease get in the way of activities she loved. She now rests knowing she lived a full life and that her fighting spirit, family values, and faith in God, live on in her children, and grandchildren.

 

Thérèse will be most remembered for being an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who was loved by all.

 

Besides her loving husband of 65 years, Therese is survived by her three siblings, sister Sing Kiow, brother Chin Chan, sister Sew Yeen, including brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; her three sons Richard (Joyce), Jimmy (Suzette), and Robert (Joyce); She is also survived by her eight wonderful grandchildren David, Stephanie (Michael), Lauren, Alexandra, Audrey, Nathan, Emma, Liam; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all around the world.

 

Thérèse was predeceased by eight siblings, sister Sin Lan, brother Soo Chiang, brother Kam Chiang, sister Foong Laane, brother unnamed at birth, brother Pit Chiang, sister New Yeen, brother Tit Chiang, and son Alain.

 

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis and Holloway (Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW) on Friday, January 13, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X’s Catholic Church (2424 24 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall at the Church. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Wan's service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2V6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, www.parkinsonassociation.ca.

 

In living memory of If Seen Chow (Thérèse) Wan-Sai-Cheong, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

 

 

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