Mrs. Edna May Eng

Edna passed away peacefully on March 29, 2020, one week after her 95th birthday. She leaves behind her sister Agnes; children Andrea and Jordan (Polly); and grandchildren Chelsea, Jamieson and Michael. She will be deeply missed and always remembered for her energy, strong will, care and compassion. Vancouver Chinatown was a big part of her life. She was born, raised and worked in this neighbourhood right to the end.

Edna was a pioneer ¬— a young Asian female business entrepreneur who established Success Realty & Insurance Ltd., initially with her husband. The business thrived in the 1960s and 1970s as one of the top residential real estate sales offices in the city selling new homes to the early wave of new Chinese immigrants. The business evolved to include retail insurance brokerage, property management and development. Many original clients became lifelong friends. Edna was still going to the office every day until she was unable to, at the age of 91. She was passionate about her business, which celebrated its 60-year anniversary this year.

Edna’s life was shaped by her experiences. From a young age, she had a thirst for knowledge and a drive to succeed. She loved to read and write; books were her solace and, through them, she absorbed stories, life and people and explored the world. When her business career started, Edna was always reading self-help books and taking self-improvement courses. Most importantly, she would quietly listen and learn from others. She was never shy to try new ideas or test what she had learned.

Edna would travel regularly to explore new places. Never content to see the same place twice, she was always looking for unique experiences and adventure. She took her young family on a camper van road trip through Europe, traveled throughout Mexico and went to Machu Picchu in South America before such vacations became popular.

When not working, her home and garden were her sanctuary, and her faithful dog Moxie, a close companion.

Edna lived a full, active life.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lutsky and the staff at Sunrise Senior Living of Vancouver for their care and support.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Edna May Eng to VGH Foundation are appreciated, a direct link can be found below.