KWAN, Lisa (Chiu Wah)
August 2, 1936 – February 11, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lisa (Chiu Wah) Kwan. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. Lisa was born in Guangzhou (formerly known as Canton), Guangdong Province, China. After attending medical school in China for three years, Lisa left political unrest in China for Hong Kong, where she met and married Fon. She emigrated in 1960 to begin her new life in Canada.
When adapting to life in Moose Jaw, the many challenges she faced were overcome with help from her sisters-in-law Terry and Anne, brother-in-law Jack, and her children when they were older. Together they built the Daylight Market into a thriving neighbourhood grocery store.
After selling the business in 1978, she began her banking career at the Moose Jaw Credit Union, continuing on to TD Canada Trust and HSBC Bank in Medicine Hat, AB. Lisa and Fon eventually moved to Coquitlam, BC in their retirement.
Lisa was a dedicated member of the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Tri-Cities Cantonese Seniors Group (Coquitlam) and eventually served as president of the association for several years. Lisa was devoted to her family, and always wanted the best for them. Her father had a piano shipped from New York to China so his young daughters could learn to play. Lisa passed down and nurtured her gifts of music and art in her children and grandchildren. As well as travelling and cruising, she found great joy in cooking for her family, playing Mahjong with friends, and tending to her plants and flowers. We are proud of her many strengths and accomplishments which live on in her family.
Predeceased by her father, the scholar Wai Man Wong, and her mother Chi Ching (Leung), she will be dearly missed by her husband Fon; her children Dennis (Melanie), Angela (William), and Dino (Mel); grandchildren Jordan and Matthew, Logan and Hope; as well as her sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and many extended family members and friends.
To honour Lisa’s memory, the family will celebrate her life with a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, https://rchfoundation.com
