Mrs. Maggie May-Kei Ip

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maggie Ip (nee Wu) on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. She died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at the Vancouver Hospice. She was the cherished wife of Kelly Ip for over 56 years, beloved mother of Pamela and Kingston, affectionate mother-in-law of Sam Wong and Leith Blachford, and adoring grandmother to Justin, Alyssa, Jacqueline and Alexander.

Maggie lived a full and rewarding life in her 81 years. Born in Shanghai, she grew up in Hong Kong and came to Canada in 1966 for her postgraduate studies at the University of Ottawa. That was where Maggie met Kelly, her future husband. After graduating, she accepted a job with the federal government and married Kelly in 1968. They moved to Vancouver in 1970 and made it their permanent home.

Maggie's impact on her community was significant. She devoted herself to community activism and was passionate about creating a Canada where newly arrived immigrants were supported and encouraged to contribute to their new home. Upon arriving in Vancouver in 1970, she volunteered for several community organizations, including the Y.W.C.A., Citizenship Council and Immigrant Services Society. She soon realized there was a need for a new organization that could provide settlement services and help with the numerous cultural and linguistic challenges of becoming Canadian. At the same time, she also worked as an E.S.L. and Mandarin teacher while raising two children.

In 1973, Maggie and 14 like-minded friends formed the United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.), which became one of Canada's largest social service agencies. Not only was she its Founding Chair, but she was also subsequently elected as the Chair of the Society and the Foundation Boards. Additionally, she was appointed the Honorary Patron of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. in 2013. After a successful half-century of service, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. celebrated its Golden Anniversary in 2023! Maggie was recognized as the "Mother of S.U.C.C.E.S.S."!

She received many awards from all three levels of government and an Honorary Doctor of Law degree from Simon Fraser University in recognition of her decades of community contributions.

Elected to Vancouver City Council in 1993, she served as a city councillor for three years but left politics to return to what she felt was her true calling - educating young minds and contributing to her community.

Her happiest days before she passed away were with her grandchildren on a trip to China, followed by a trans-Pacific cruise with Kelly from Tokyo to Vancouver, where they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

To honour Maggie's request, a private funeral will be held for immediate family members. Instead of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, in person or online at successfoundation.ca. Maggie's smiles will always be in our hearts and minds. May she rest in peace!

https://vancouversun.com/news/obituary-community-remembers-maggie-ip-co-founder-success