TANJUAQUIO, Guaik Hoon (nee Chua)
Mom passed on peacefully in her sleep during the morning of Monday, August
13th at Columbus Residence, Vancouver. She was predeceased by her parents,
Kwee Neong and Boon Guan, brothers Chris, Chet, Henry, sisters Ean, Lian and
Lan Hoon, husband Ben, and grandsons Sean and Ian.
She is survived by her son Kim (Lauren), her daughter Ee-Laine (D’Arcy) and
grandchildren Victoria, Westley, Charlotte, John-Paul and Luc, as well as by
many loving relatives and dear friends who will miss their beloved Aunty Guaik,
Yee-Ee, Jee Kor, Yee Khoo Ma.
Mom was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 19th, 1932, and was a child
during the Japanese occupation of her country, enduring certain deprivations
but also enjoying a rich and close family life. As a young woman after the war,
she had an active social life and was always in the midst of celebrations and
events. She attended secretarial college in London for a time, later working with
her father in his business, and ultimately opened her own boutique known as
Guaik’s Gifts at the Intercontinental Hotel. While on a business trip to Philippines
she met Bienvenido Tanjuaquio, an up and coming lawyer and former journalist,
and was soon corresponding with this attractive and charming man. Mom and
Dad married in 1957 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at first living close to Mom’s
family but soon immigrating to Canada with their children in 1968. They worked
together, providing for their family and experiencing the joys and challenges of
their adopted (and much colder!) country. In particular, their efforts in offering
education savings plans to new and established Canadian families provided an
opportunity for hundreds of young people to receive a university or college
education, for which Mom was justifiably proud. In their retirement Mom and
Dad were active in bereavement support ministry, pro-life work and also gave
presentations to help prevent seniors from falling victim to fraud. Mom travelled
extensively throughout her life, seeing all corners of the world and enjoying the
times she could visit with family. Some of her most memorable trips were
pilgrimages, including Guadalupe, Lourdes, Medjugorje, Knock, Oberammergau,
Fatima, and the Holy Land, making lasting friendships through her experiences.
Not long after Dad’s passing in 2001, Mom developed her debilitating condition,
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), which she endured with grace and
patience. Her stalwart trust, faith and hope in God sustained her, while attending
Mass and receiving Holy Communion each day at Columbus Residence brought
her great joy and consolation. The friendships she made through the Catholic
Women’s League and her parish Prayer Group were a pleasure to her throughout
her retirement. Mom’s happiest times were invariably spent in the company of
her extended family and many friends, usually around a large table brimming
with food and cheer.
Guaik’s family is greatly appreciative to all who helped care for her and took the
time to visit her, especially during these recent challenging final years of her life.
Prayers will be offered on Thursday, August 23rd, 2018 at 7:00 pm at St.
Augustine’s Parish (2028 W 7th Ave, Vancouver) where Mass of Christian Burial
will be celebrated on Friday, August 24th at 11:00 am, Rev Fr Terry Bileski, main
celebrant with Rev Fr Peter Chiang concelebrating. Interment at Gardens of
Gethsemani, Surrey.
In lieu of flowers donations will be graciously accepted and directed towards
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) research at UBC and to Columbus
Residence.
Eternal rest grant unto Guaik, O Lord,
And perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.