Daphne Poh Chin Aw

Described as a “happy go-lucky one”, Daphne was born in Singapore in 1964 and grew up the youngest of 7 siblings. As a child she loved play fighting with her brother (and bore a scar in memory of it for the rest of her life), visiting the market with her mother, and romping around with her many school friends. In 1992 she moved to Canada to marry Alfred Wong and thus began a new adventure full of travels, friends, and family.

Daphne was ever-welcoming and never failed to fill a room with her presence. Although she never sought recognition or attention for herself, her unfailing regard for the needs of others won her the respect and love of those around her. She was the kind of person who remembered every birthday and every favourite food. Never known to be in a bad mood, Daphne took every challenge in life, even that as immense as cancer, in stride and bore it with an unwavering gracefulness and courage that impressed her family, her friends, and healthcare providers. Even in her last weeks of life she brought cheer to those around her— sneaking chocolates to her nurses and, as always, teasing others.

Amidst a week full of rain, Daphne passed away on a brilliant autumn morning on October 31, 2021. Although she passed before her time, she lived, as she said “a good life” that was full and eventful with no regrets. She enjoyed going on frequent camping trips with her family all over Canada and the United States, took several cruises, and travelled twice to Europe. She loved biting into vanilla slices from Dutch Bakery, indulging in Chinese dramas (her guilty pleasure), and helping her daughter sneak the war booty from frequent shopping trips past her father. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Alfred; her daughter, Theresa, and many in-laws, siblings, nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends. They take comfort in knowing that if, or when, they ever meet again, they will be greeted with that same infectious smile and probably more than a couple playful remarks.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the hospice at Royal Jubilee Hospital or to the BC Cancer Agency.