Obituary of Shi Yuan Ma 馬王世媛

December 19, 1937 - Tianjin, China

March 19, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Shi Yuan Ma (nee Wang), beloved wife and mother, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Shi Yuan was born in Tianjin, China, on December 19, 1937. She moved to Beijing to attend middle school and Tsinghua University, where she graduated with an honours degree in Computer Science in 1962. Upon graduation, Shi Yuan moved back to Tianjin to teach Computer Science at Tianjin University. In these early days of computer systems development, she made significant contributions including co-authoring one of the first computer science textbooks, which was used for many years. It was also at Tianjin University that Shi Yuan met and later married Zhao Rong, and then had their daughter Cynthia. She immigrated to Calgary with her husband and daughter in 1982. In Calgary, she pursued a career in research at the Department of Physics at the University of Calgary, then later at General Dynamics, ultimately retiring in 2002.

Shi Yuan was known for her sharp mind, quick wit, and diverse interests. She loved classic literature, classical music, and the opera. Dinner table conversations ranged from books to Fourier Transforms. After retirement, she took up tai chi and Chinese calligraphy but particularly enjoyed travelling with her family. Education and learning were very important to Shi Yuan throughout her life. After formal teaching at Tianjin University, she continued to counsel and mentor others. For herself, she continued to learn new subjects and kept many notes, up until her final days.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Zhao Rong and daughter Cynthia. She is also survived by five siblings who will all miss her dearly. She was predeceased by two siblings. She will be deeply missed by numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members, as well as many cherished friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Lam, Dr. Dixon, Dr. Dowden, and Dr. Feng; as well as the staff at Bethany Calgary for their care, skill, and kindness.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Shi Yuan’s family here.

In living memory of Shi Yuan Ma, 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: 403-276-2296