Men Mee Mary Tang

On the morning of Nov 27, 2023 Mary Men Mee Tang (nee Kwan), passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the Burnaby General Hospital, BC, Canada. She was 65. Mary was born in Calcutta, India to Slui Khew Kwan and Li Ying Kwan on Mar 28, 1958. She had 6 siblings and was the 4th child of 7 kids in the family. She attended Welland Goldsmith Girls’ School and at 16 she got engaged to Charley Wing Cheu Tang. At 19, she immigrated to Canada to get married in 1977 and remained married for 46 years.

She attended Moler Beauty School of Hairdressing in Vancouver and became a successful professional hairdresser for 20+ years. She radiated an immense bubbly spirit of happiness and clients adored her dearly. She always had a flair for fashion and finding a suitable hair style came easily to her. She would spend an hour every morning to do her hair, always sporting the perfect hairdo. She loved matching all her clothes and shoes with the perfect jewelry accessories to make her outfit pop. Mary carried herself well and looked stunning in any outfit; grooming and beautifying was second nature to her. She prided herself with her fashion sense and loved red, her most favourite colour of the rainbow spectrum.

Later Mary joined the Public Guardian and Trustee of BC Office on West Hastings Street in Vancouver as an Administrative Assistant and worked her way up as a Financial Assistant in the Child and Youth Services department. She retired in June 2023 after 28 years. She made a lasting impact with her colleagues and supervisors whom she had coffee breaks at the local Tim Hortons. She was known to show kindness to the homeless and panhandlers would recognize her for her big heart, even giving one $10 without hesitation.

Mary touched many people’s life and was kind to strangers alike. She lent a helping hand to those in need and was always quick to find an answer to any questions or dilemma. She spent hours researching answers and educated herself with many medical issues, terminology and advise us of various herbal remedies. She was brilliant at times and not afraid to speak her mind. She was assertive in her own beliefs of fairness and would do everything in her power to help someone less fortunate than herself. She was highly intelligent, well organized and always prepared for the unforeseen. Mary will most definitely be missed by all and her premature departure has left a big hole in our heart to fill. She had a bright personality, full of life, love and fun. She was never afraid of asking hard questions and facing adversary head on. She was a warrior and a real trooper, unfazed by pain and unbounded by social mores. She would fight tooth and nail when she believed what was right, which was an admirable quality rarely seen in most.

Mary had a love for the outdoors and camping vacations with Charley was one of her most favourite activities. She was talented in crochet, knitting, sewing and gardening. She kept her plants alive especially her beloved cactus for more than 20+ years. She kept everything well preserved, just as we all will forever keep her close in our heart. She is the brightest star in the galaxy and her smile will forever be etched in our mind. Mary was truly one of a kind person, her beauty, strength and personality are unmatched in every way. Her love will forever remain alive in our heart as we carry the torch of her memory within each of us. A spark has left us but a fire will burn brightly as her glory and grace remains. We will always love you Mary as we can still hear the sound of your laughter and see the sparkle in your eyes.

Mary is predeceased by her father, Slui Khew Kwan and her sister, Helen Kwan. Her father-in-law. Tang Fah Shu and her mother-in-law, Tang Hwang Hwo Ti.

She is survived by her husband Charley Tang, mother Li Ying Kwan, siblings Frankie, Richard, Andrea, Mike, Arlene, nephews and nieces. Charley’s siblings Kong, Elorna, Vilma, Ming, Lana, Jennifer, nephews and nieces.

Both Viewing Services and Funeral are held at Ocean View Funeral Home. Viewing on Dec 8 Friday 7-9 pm and Funeral on Dec 9 Saturday 10 am followed by a committal service at the Grand Mausoleum at Ocean View Burial Park at 11:30am. Luncheon at 1 pm at Fortune City Seafood Restaurant, 2800 E. 1st Avenue, 604-255-0008.