Shirley May Yee Eng

It is with the heaviest hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother, Shirley May Yee Eng, on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Left to cherish her loving memory are her children, Alexandra (Daniel), Irene (Joshua) and David (Nayha), granddaughter, Lily, sister, May Ying, sister-in-law, Yuet Ho, nephews, Frank, Richard, Gary (Flor) and Peter and many dear friends, cousins, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Peter Yick Fo Eng, her parents, Lap Kwan Yeun and Lane Liang Chung, in-laws, Chui Fung Sau and Tim Yuen Eng, brother, Mickey Yat Ming Chung, sisters, Kwok May Siu and Kwok Ho Li, and brothers-in-law, Harry Lowe, King Foo Eng and Yuen Foo Eng.

Shirley was born in Canton, China on November 17, 1946. In 1958, she moved to Hong Kong with her sister, May Ying. In 1971, while working for a bank in Hong Kong, she was given the opportunity to relocate to England. Instead, she decided to join her sister in Canada, and made the voyage to Winnipeg, Manitoba in January 1972. Having never seen snow before, she didn’t know what she was getting herself into, but she happily called Winnipeg home for the next 52 years. In 1974, she married the love of her life, Peter. They planned to become fashion designers in New York City and together in 1978, opened the iconic, Mitzi’s Restaurant, with the plan to only be open for 10 years in order to fund their dreams. Over the next 20 years, they raised their three children and saw their business grow beyond their wildest dreams. On April 23, 2001, her dear husband gained his wings and peacefully passed after a long battle with cancer. She continued their legacy for another 23 years, achieving many accolades and awards along the way. On April 13, 2024, she hung up her apron for the final time and began her long awaited retirement. Over the past seven months, she was able to enjoy her days with family and friends.

Shirley will be lovingly remembered as a mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt and dear friend to so many. She showed her love through food, and dedicated her life to serving our community. She truly valued family and was your biggest cheerleader. Her infectious laugh and generous heart will be deeply missed.

Our heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff at the St. Boniface Hospital for their unwavering care and compassion during our mom’s final hours.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. at Thomson in the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Blvd.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 16, 2024 at the RBC Convention Centre – York Ballroom, 375 York Ave. Livestream link can be found in service information below.

In lieu of flowers, condolences and donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and Siloam Mission, two causes Shirley was very passionate about.