Maureen Chan, born on September 24, 1946 in Hong Kong to Chen Kit Koo and Wai Fong Tang, belonged to a family of 5 close siblings, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. She was a devoted Catholic who practiced her faith's principles in all facets of her life. It shaped her personal identity and ran a true line through her work relations and success. She was a woman with a worldly outlook, and an indomitable positive spirit. Her kind personality was often paired with a glowing smile. We will miss her energy and humorous wit.
Maureen came to Montreal, Canada in 1967 with her brother Norman, with little to their name, given an opportunity at a better life. It was there that she fell in love with this country and our father, Wilkins Chan. A love that blossomed in the raw northern landscapes of Churchill Falls, Labrador. Married, they travelled the world together in 1972 before settling in Vancouver in 1973. Both were Canadians true and true having explored Canada from coast to coast.
Mom embodied the best of Canadian values, including public service, working as a social worker on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in the 1970s and 1980s. It was a stressful job, dangerous even, and yet she endured. Eventually she would make a 90-degree turn in her career to join the Real Estate field. To say she excelled at this profession would be an understatement. She will forever be recognized as a lifetime Chairman's Club member of Royal LePage (the company's highest honour). It is a testament to a monumental work ethic and sustained excellence. She attained this honour with an honest dedication to serving people's housing needs and an unfaltering drive. Her indelible mark and achievements are still felt to this day as many esteemed colleagues, professionals in the field, clients, and friends have come forth with kind words and heartfelt memories of their times with Mom, many that we have also known.
To know Maureen's career success would be only to know half the story. She was a dedicated mother to her two children, Nicholas and Emily, always supportive of our endeavours and aspirations. To know Maureen was to know an independent woman with a clever wit and a 'hard work will be rewarded' outlook. She was always curious about the world and was able to travel much of it, always interested in its cultures and peoples. She loved nothing more than gathering with close friends and family over good food, wine, and laughter. An artist at heart, you could always find her doodles and characters across her work notes. Mom, you were always brave and composed in the face of adversity, including your valiant fight with cancer. We know you are with the Lord and reunited with Dad now, but we still miss you dearly.
Thank you for everything.
Our Undying Love.
The Chan Family.
A memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 11AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Parish, 1430 West 38th Avenue, Vancouver, BC. A quiet vigil at the Church at 10:30AM. A reception will follow immediately after the mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully accepted in our mother’s memory at join.vghfoundation.ca/mchan.