Gooe Sun Mark

June 3, 1922 - December 18, 2014Gooe Sun Mark, best known as Mrs. Mark, sadly, left us at age 92.

Born in China, June 3, 1922, she passed away Thursday, December 18, 2014, at

10:00 AM, in Vancouver.

She immigrated to Grand Forks, BC in 1955 with son, Baun Foon

and daughter, Zshu-Zshu in tow to join her husband, Mark Soon, who had started

his restaurant and confectionary earlier.

Two years later, a son, BunLing was born.

Mrs. Mark had a reputation for her generosity and kindness

to customers and all people as

well as endurance for hard work.

Her unfailing work ethic and warm personality contributed much to the

success of the Honeydew restaurant for 37 years. In 1992, she retired at age 70

by moving to Vancouver

to be closer to her daughter while enjoying her “Chinatown” immensely.

She easily made new friends in her

new neighbourhood and later at the 7th Day Adventist Church.

Mrs. Mark’s life was one of success overcoming adversity, that of poverty

and hunger, experiencing wars,

traumatic immigration processes and finally making her way to

a very new life being the only Chinese family

in a foreign little town with a foreign language.

In her younger years, she yearned for an education and despite

all odds she excelled by acquiring 5 years

of schooling in just 2 years. With her knack for learning, she endeared herself

to the Russian community

of Grand Forks by replying in Russian during conversations and learned to

make an awesome borscht for

the menu. There can be no doubt she had the fond respect from people of all ages.

It has been said that the Honeydew, “famous” for its Chinese food became iconic,

as a meeting and greeting place for children who were handed ice-cream cones

by Mrs. Mark as well as the locals who ate

the cafe’s home made pies during coffee breaks.

Always smiling, her sense of survival and strength of character in

changing environments during a very different era came through. She is

well remembered for her wonderful ability to always engage with people

and bring out their smiles as well.

She is survived by her 3 children, 13 grand children, 2 daughters-in law, and

a younger brother in China.

She was predeceased by her eldest son, Ken and her husband who had

passed away earlier in 1975.

If you would like to write a tribute or give condolences go to link:

http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/dignitymemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=gooe-mark&pid=173528255&page=3

Funeral Services will be held at:

Forest Lawn Funeral Home

Monday Dec 29th, 2014 at 1:00pm

3789 Royal Oak Ave

Burnaby, B.C

604-299-7720