Kwan Tai Mok

Mrs. Mok Kwan Tai (莫羣娣) passed away peacefully at home in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on December 3, 2024, at the age of 100. Born on April 7, 1924 in Wei Wu Village, Dao Jiao Town, Dongguan County, Guangdong Province, China, her Chinese name, Kwan Tai (羣娣), meaning "to bring more brothers and sisters", was chosen by her parents with the hope of bringing more siblings into the family, as several children born before her did not survive. This wish was realized and she went on to become the eldest of four.

From her earliest years, she demonstrated strength, responsibility and business acumen while helping her father, Mok Pei Lin, manage the family's general store in their village. Her natural talent for business and strong work ethic, developed during those childhood years in the store, would shape much of her later life.

In 1946, she married Wong Mei Chung in Dao Jiao Town and single-handedly raised five children - two sons and three daughters. Moving to Hong Kong's Cheung Chau Island in 1956, she operated her family’s business in sausage casings. As her children grew, she moved the family to Kwun Tong, Kowloon, to ensure they received the best possible education. During this time, she developed an active lifestyle, embracing morning exercises, walking, swimming, martial arts, and singing.

Her life was marked by courage and adaptability as she navigated multiple transitions across different countries.

In 1981, she moved to Vancouver, Canada, to support her children who were pursuing university education. Though she never had the opportunity to attend school as a child, she dedicated her later years to learning, teaching herself to read and write in Chinese and English. Despite limited English proficiency, she lived a remarkably independent life in Vancouver and confidently navigated public transit to visit Chinatown almost daily and explore the city's many neighborhoods for dim sum and fresh groceries. She remained actively engaged in the local Chinese and Canadian community, attending singing classes at SUCCESS in Chinatown and regularly swimming at Ron Andrews Recreation Centre. Her determination to learn and maintain her independence well into her elder years was a source of inspiration to her family and a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Even in her later years, she surprised her family by developing a love for pizza, sushi, and Indian food, demonstrating that an open mind and change were possible at any age.

In December 2017, she moved to Inglewood Care Centre in West Vancouver. Due to COVID-19 outbreaks in many care homes in March 2020, her children brought her home to North Vancouver, where she remained until her peaceful passing.

Throughout her century-long life, she exemplified hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication to self-improvement and family. Her children and grandchildren remember her for her delicious and healthful home-cooked meals, friendly mahjong games, and most importantly, the humble life lessons she imparted.

Through her daily practices and experiences of surviving wars and famine, she taught her family to be productive members of society, contribute meaningfully to family and community, and find contentment in what they already possessed. Her practical approach to reducing consumption and making the most of available resources reflected a deep wisdom that grows more relevant with each passing year.

As the beloved matriarch, she was the cornerstone that brought and held the family together, a role she fulfilled until her final days and continues even now in her passing. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, she remained a pillar of strength for her family, demonstrating resilience and grace. The lessons she taught through her actions continue to grow in meaning as her family reflects upon the wisdom.

She is survived by her five children: Johnny Wong (Kitty Lai) and their sons Masao and Nelson Wong; Emmie Leung and her daughters Paulina Leung (Rob Caruk) and Vivian Leung (Jack Allpress); Colin Wong (predeceased by Pauline Wong) and their children Boris and Ophelia Chan; Doris Wong; and Candice (Richard Spiegel) Choy. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Audrey and Iris Allpress.

A visitation will be held at Bell & Burnaby Funeral Chapel at 4276 Hastings Street, Burnaby on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 3 PM to 5 PM. The interment (burial) will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park at 3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 11 AM to noon. Please feel free to arrive 10 minutes earlier to meet at the parking lot of the Memorial Park office (corner of Canada Way and Royal Oak Ave.).

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful women who took care of Kwan Tai like she was their own mother in the final years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mok Kwan Tai’s honour may be made to a charity/organization/church of one’s choosing.