Mrs. Kwun Lai Chan

Kwun Lai Cheung was born in Kwong-chow on July 1, 1920. She was the great-grand daughter of a high government official in China and the eldest daughter of an educated family. Her father, Mong Chuen Cheung, was a scholar and taught in Yue Chee & Yeung Chung High Schools. He befriended Yee Wan Chan and together they composed poems as their favorite past-time. Mr. Cheung also tutored Yee Wan Chan's son - Wai Shun Chan.

Kwun Lai married Wai Shun Chan in 1939, with whom she had four sons and two daughters. The whole family emigrated to Hong Kong, where they lived for 16 years, then to Canada and the United States in 1967. She dedicated her time to raising and teaching her children, all of whom have been well educated and employed.

Kwun Lai was pleased to see all her children leading happy and responsible lives. Her children are forever grateful for her many sacrifices and unending love. Over the years, she was blessed with 3 daughters-in-law, 1 son-in-law, 13 grandchildren, 24 great- grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, a remarkable 5 generations during her lifetime.

Since landing in Toronto Kwun Lai worked hard and made good use of her spare time to acquire new knowledge. Even at the age of 92 she attended English classes diligently. Over time she acquired many talents, including mastery of sewing and Chinese cooking which she learned without any formal training. Along with her husband, Wai Shun, they enjoyed travelling all over the world.

Kwun Lai moved to Mon Sheong Richmond Hill Long Term Care on April 4th 2019 where she received excellent care by staff coupled with regular weekly visits

from her children. She will forever be remembered as the matriarch of our big extended Chan family, instilling values of hard work, resilience and caring for one another.

May she rest in peace.