Ming was born in Sandakan, Malaysia to Ka Yik Chan and Yim Chu Lo Chan. She immigrated with her family to Vancouver, British Columbia when she was 12 years old. She attended Sir Winston Churchill High School where friends recall her helpful and caring nature. She graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1976 with a Bachelor in Rehabilitation Sciences. Ming went on to pursue a career in physiotherapy, and developed a special interest in geriatrics, and helped with the initiation of falls and injury prevention projects within Fraser Health Authority. In addition to clinical work, she found time to support several research projects and obtained her Master of Science in 2012 from Simon Fraser University. She attended various international conferences, providing podium and poster presentations. Throughout her career she provided numerous students with placement opportunities, and was a mentor to those keen on pursuing a career in physiotherapy.
Ming married Francis in 1982, and together they had four children: Jessica, Amanda, Deanna and Daniel. In addition to working and raising four children, Ming found time to sew matching outfits for the kids and knit elaborate sweaters, be involved in her children’s school and extracurricular life, and contributed delicious meals for social gatherings at church.
Prior to receiving her diagnosis of stage IV stomach cancer, she was living fully, spending time with her husband and family including two new grandsons, tending to her garden, baking and cooking meals for family and colleagues, and going for hikes. Ming will be remembered for her adventurous spirit and hospitality towards her friends, co-workers, her children’s friends and their teachers, and who could forget her elaborate Christmas cookie spread. Her love for travel was evident at a young age and she continued to travel the world with her husband while passing this love on to her children. She was a devoted wife, supportive mother, proud grandmother, valuable employee, an approachable and caring friend, and a follower of Christ.
Ming is remembered by her husband, Francis; children Jessica (Andy – Everett), Amanda (Jeff – Chase), Deanna and Daniel; and siblings Bruce (Jenni – Justin and family, Scott and family); Richard (Colleen – Melissa and Michael) and Steve (Rosanna). Ming joins her parents and her sister, Stephanie, in heaven.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Rehabilitation Department at Villa Cathay Care Home ( https://villacathay.ca/in-memory-ming-leung/ ) or to the Ming Leung Memorial Fund at UBC ( https://give.ubc.ca/memorial/ming-leung/ ). Condolences can be shared in the comments below.